DetraPel considers Charlotte HQ move, $3.5M investment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tech company specializing in clean technology and advanced materials is considering relocating to Charlotte, potentially bringing millions in investment and dozens of new jobs to the region.

On Tuesday, April 1, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposed economic development incentive grant for DetraPel, Inc.

The Massachusetts-based company specializes in PFAS-free protective coatings used across multiple industries, and is exploring a move to the Southeast.

Detrapel has identified a location on Granite Street in southwest Charlotte for its new headquarters and manufacturing facility.

If the relocation is finalized, DetraPel plans to also develop a 40,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a research and development center. 

At the Board of Commissioners meeting, county leaders will hear public comments and view a presentation on a proposed three-year, 50% business investment program grant for the company that totals no more than $34,536.

It is designed to incentivize the company’s move to the area.

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At a meeting on March 24, Charlotte City Council approved it’s own Business Investment Grant to DetraPel, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $22,843 over three years. 

Clay Andrews, senior project manager with Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development, emphasized the long-term benefits of the incentive grant. 

“They’re enhancing our tax base,” Andrews said. “Three years later, five years later, that [the grant] is burned away and the company’s still here. Hopefully, they’re growing, they may have even doubled in size and they’re still contributing to the community and still paying their taxes. So in this case, it’s all good.”

Charlotte isn’t the only city vying for DetraPel’s expansion — Fort Mill is also in consideration. 

However, if Charlotte secures the company’s relocation, the move would represent a $3.5 million taxable investment over the next three years and create 35 new jobs with an average salary of nearly $72,000, which is higher than the regional average.

The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners meeting begins Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Government Center in Uptown Charlotte, with the public hearing set for 6:30 p.m. 

Community members interested in voicing their opinions on the proposed incentive grant can attend the meeting in person. Members of the public can sign up to speak online, in person, or by calling the Office of the Clerk at 980-314-2912.

Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.