US Conec to Add 224 Jobs in Hickory, NC, Paying About $57,000
Fibre optic connector maker US Conec will create 224 jobs averaging $56,982 a year at a new $149.7m plant in Hickory, North Carolina.
USAIn brief
- US Conec will add 224 jobs in Hickory, Catawba County, with a new 200,000 sq ft building.
- The average salary for the new jobs is $56,982, slightly above the Catawba County average of $56,937.
- The company is investing more than $149.7 million in manufacturing, R&D, admin and distribution space.
- A $500,000 One North Carolina Fund grant is paid only if job and investment targets are met.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Organization | US Conec Ltd. |
| Official source | North Carolina Department of Commerce – Governor Stein announces US Conec expansion ✓ commerce.nc.gov |
Fibre optic parts maker US Conec will create 224 jobs in Hickory, North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein announced on 22 October 2026. The company is investing more than $149.7 million in a new 200,000 sq ft facility in Catawba County.
The new jobs carry an average salary of $56,982, a little above the county average.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | US Conec Ltd. |
| Location | Hickory, Catawba County, NC |
| New jobs | 224 |
| Average salary | $56,982 |
| County average salary | $56,937 |
| Investment | More than $149.7 million |
| Building | 200,000 sq ft |
| Uses | Manufacturing, R&D, administration, distribution |
| Yearly payroll impact | More than $12.7 million |
About US Conec
US Conec has been based in Hickory since 1992. It designs and makes high-density optical interconnects, the small but critical connectors that join fibre optic cables. These parts are used in networks such as data centres, where more connections have to fit into less space.
Jobs likely to be needed
The state did not publish a role list, but the four uses of the new building point to these areas:
| Area | Example roles |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Production operators, moulding and polishing technicians, machine setters |
| Quality | Inspectors, metrology and quality engineers |
| Research and development | Optical, mechanical and process engineers |
| Distribution | Warehouse staff, shipping and logistics coordinators |
| Administration | Finance, HR, IT and customer service |
Training support
Catawba Valley Community College is named as a partner on the project. Community colleges in North Carolina often run free or low-cost training linked to new employers, so it is worth asking the college about advanced manufacturing courses.
How to apply
North Carolina Commerce did not publish a hiring date or application link. Check US Conec's own website for its careers section and current openings, and watch for hiring events with the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and the community college.
What it means for job seekers
- Pay is solid for the area. An average near $57,000 is competitive for manufacturing jobs in Catawba County.
- Precision skills are valued. Attention to detail, clean-room habits and experience with small parts help.
- Engineers have options. R&D and process engineering roles are part of this expansion.
- The grant is tied to hiring. The state only pays once targets are met, which encourages the company to fill the roles.
More US factory jobs: SendCutSend is hiring 309 workers in Pittston, Pennsylvania.
Frequently asked questions
How many jobs is US Conec creating?
224 new jobs in Hickory, North Carolina.
What will the new US Conec jobs pay?
The average salary across the new positions is $56,982 a year, according to North Carolina Commerce.
What does US Conec make?
High-density optical connectors and interconnect parts used in fibre optic networks, including data centres.
What kinds of roles will there be?
The new building covers manufacturing, research and development, administration and distribution, so jobs are expected across all four areas.
Apply only through the official source.
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