Gov. Perdue helped Electrolux celebrate the opening of its new North American headquarters in Charlotte last week.

Executives and employees, together with state, county and city officials, gathered to celebrate the appliance maker's new University area space.

"Welcome, Electrolux, and thank you, again, for choosing the Queen City as your North American headquarters," Gov. Perdue said. "Our business friendly climate, incredible people and strong education policies make North Carolina one of the best places to live and work. We hope you will find success here and keep growing in North Carolina."

Electrolux is a global leader in home and professional appliances whose products include refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers and cooking products sold primarily under the Electrolux, Frigidaire and Eureka brands in North America.

"It was just 11 months ago that we announced our decision to open our new North American headquarters in Charlotte," said Kevin Scott, head of Electrolux Major Appliances North America, "And four months ago, the first employees from our Major Appliances and Professional Products sectors started working in this building."

"Today, Electrolux North America in Charlotte is 450 people - both long-time residents and new Charlotteans - working in this great, repurposed facility.  It's fair to say that we've accomplished a lot in a short time," Mr. Scott said.  "We are still hiring, and we are on track to meet our projection of 738 employees in Charlotte within five years."