Lubrimetal SpA will invest $1.9 million over the next three years developing a manufacturing facility in North Carolina for production of wet and dry lubricants for steel and non-ferrous wire drawing.

"The creation of a new factory in the United States has been an important part of our global strategy," said Giorgio Corso, Executive Vice President of Lubrimetal Corporation. "All the partners involved have worked tirelessly to help make our decision easier. These people should be commended for their work to bring jobs to the people of Caldwell County. I believe we have made the right decision to locate here and that there is a very strong future for Lubrimetal Corporation and the people of the community we are proud to be joining."

The new facility, expected to create 19 jobs in Granite Falls, Caldwell County, will allow Lubrimetal to meet growing market demand in North America for wire drawing lubricants, according to the Jan. 20 announcement by the North Carolina governor's office. Wire drawing is a metalworking process used to reduce the cross-section of a wire by pulling the wire through one or more dies.

About Lubrimetal SpA

Lubrimetal's products include calcium based, sodium based and other dry lubricants; oils and greases for wire drawing; emulsifiable oils for wet wire drawing; and corrosion inhibitors. Its brands include Lubrifil dry lubricants and Lubriol wet drawing oils. For more information on Lubrimetal's activities go to www.lubrimetal.com