HALIFAX — A $91,000 grant will provide the infrastructure needed for United Salvage & Auto to expand its operation, adding 19 new jobs and investing $6.5 million more in equipment and machinery.

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The North Carolina Department of Commerce Industrial Fund grant will be used to extend a 2-inch sewer force main.

Approximately 2,050 linear feet will serve the company’s new metal recycling center. “United Salvage & Auto (USA) will be expanding our existing salvage operations by installing highly sophisticated metal recycling equipment,” said Scott Sawyer, USA’s operations manager in a press release. “This equipment will help us diversify our business base and compete in the global marketplace for additional business.”

The company already has some 20 employees locally, according to Halifax County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Cathy Scott.

In implementing an economic development program for Halifax County, the Board of Commissioners and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission are placing greater emphasis in supporting the expansion and retention of existing business and industry, in addition to new business recruitment.

“Our existing business and industry are the foundation of our local economy and we are pleased to support the expansion of United Salvage & Auto,” said Gene Minton, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. “Given the current state of the economy, the 19 jobs that will be created as a result of the investment being made by United, will provide critically needed employment opportunities and help us further diversify the county’s employment base.”

United Salvage & Auto plans to complete their expansion by the end of this year.