Dell Plant Search Update

With the NC Legislature meeting next week to consider whether to give as much as $200 million in incentives to Dell Inc., Guilford and Forsyth counties are prepared to fight over which will land the prized computer plant.

NC Gov. Mike Easley asked legislators to return to Raleigh on Thursday to vote on an economic development package for an unnamed major computer manufacturer.

Dell, the world's largest personal computer maker, has confirmed that the special legislative session is for incentives it wants before building a $190 million plant in the Triad. Easley said the plant would generate 2,000 jobs and a total of 8,400 jobs when suppliers and related industries are taken into account.

Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, said earlier this week it was interested in building in North Carolina, but didn't say where. Company spokeswoman Cathie Hargett confirmed Thursday that Dell is only considering the Triad.

Officials in both Guilford and Forsyth counties said they don't feel significant pressure to raise the bar on local tax incentives to land the plant.

More here.