Henderson County -- Business News March 24, 2026: In a move that positions Henderson County at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, BorgWarner Inc. has finalized a landmark deal to produce power systems for the world’s most advanced data centers right here in Western North Carolina.
Following a Master Supply Agreement signed in February 2026 with TurboCell (a subsidiary of Endeavour), BorgWarner has confirmed that its new 220,000-square-foot facility at the Blue Ridge Commerce Center will be dedicated to manufacturing modular turbine generator systems. These systems are designed to solve the "power gap" facing massive AI campuses that the traditional electrical grid cannot currently support.
High-Value Jobs for the Region
This project represents one of the most significant per-job investments in the county’s history.
The Workforce: 193 new high-tech manufacturing positions.
The Pay: An average annual salary of $78,628. This is roughly $27,000 more than the current Henderson County average.
The Timeline: Production is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with the facility expected to reach an initial capacity of 2 gigawatts.
A Modern Pivot for a Legacy Company
While BorgWarner is known globally for automotive parts, this Hendersonville site marks a strategic shift into "multi-industrial" energy solutions. The "TurboCell" units produced here will be "fuel-flexible"—capable of running on natural gas, propane, or hydrogen. This flexibility allows AI data centers to maintain 24/7 "uptime" while significantly lowering their carbon footprint compared to traditional backup diesel generators.
Economic Resilience Post-Helene
This investment arrives at a key moment for the region. "Western North Carolina is recovering stronger every day," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley in a statement regarding the project. Because BorgWarner is locating in a "Tier 3" (prosperous) county, the project will also contribute over $595,000 to a state fund that builds infrastructure in more distressed, rural North Carolina communities.
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Location: Blue Ridge Commerce Center, McMurray Road, Hendersonville.
Primary Product: Modular turbine generators for AI data centers and microgrids.
Total Economic Growth: $583 Million (estimated over 12 years).
Total Jobs: 193.
Average Wage: $78,628 (Verified by NC Dept. of Commerce).