RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Officials with forest and lawn equipment producer Husqvarna say the company will follow through with its earlier decision to consolidate its North American headquarters in Charlotte, thanks in part to sweeteners from North Carolina taxpayers.
State officials decided Thursday to give the company up to $2.5 million if it doubles its current Charlotte work force of 160 and retains the jobs for nine years.
Husqvarna (HOOSK-var-nah) decided last summer to move its North American headquarters from Augusta, Ga., to Charlotte. But state officials said the company claimed South Carolina offered nearly $11 million to move just a few miles across the state line.
The Swedish parent company sold $4.9 billion worth of lawn mowers, chain saws, trimmers and other tools worldwide in 2008.
