A Virginia-based industrial contractor has announced plans to open a fabrication plant in Elizabeth City, creating 43 new jobs and generating an investment of $1.9 million, state and local officials said Wednesday.

AMARK Corp., which fabricates steel and pipe for both general and industrial construction uses, will open the plant in the former Davis Yachts building in the industrial park off Halstead Boulevard.

No timetable for the plant’s opening was available Wednesday, but Albemarle Economic Development Commission Director Wayne Harris said it “will be soon.”

AMARK President Colleen Patton noted in a press release that the company’s Elizabeth City facility will be an hour from the company’s headquarters in Suffolk, Va. The company, established in 1981, has another location in the Richmond, Va., area.

Patton credited the Davis Yachts building’s owner, Jon Wheeler of Wheeler Interests, with helping the company expand to Elizabeth City.

Wheeler Interests “was essential in bringing AMARK to the area and coordinating with the various resources available in North Carolina to make the expansion feasible,” Patton said.

The project was made possible in part by a $126,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. State officials say the fund helps recruit and expand good-paying jobs to North Carolina. It also provides financial assistance to businesses or industries making significant efforts to expand in the state.

In a press release, Gov. Bev Perdue’s office said AMARK’s $1.9 million investment includes lease payments for the former Davis Yachts building.

“Creating jobs is my number one priority and North Carolina continues to be attractive to strong, growing industrial service companies,” Perdue said. “Our skilled workers, custom training programs and top-rated business climate remain top draws for companies nationwide looking for the best location to succeed.”

The new AMARK site, which is currently vacant, will be converted into a fabrication shop where skilled workers will cut, weld and fabricate steel structures as well as miscellaneous metals.

Perdue’s office said salaries at the AMARK plant will vary by job function, but that the annual average wage will be $36,618, not including benefits. The average wage in Pasquotank County currently is $27,040.

Local officials said they are excited about AMARK’s plans. Most have known about the company’s expansion plans for some time but were waiting for Perdue’s official announcement on Wednesday.

“In these hard economic times, whenever you can create even one job, it’s great news, but creating 43 jobs is just superb,” said City Manager Rich Olson, who credited teamwork by local officials for AMARK’s decision to locate in Elizabeth City.

Mayor Roger McLean said he was “especially proud of the major role” the city had “played in making this project a success.”

City Councilwoman Anita Hummer, a member of the AEDC board, was also pleased by the news.

“I knew it was getting close, but to hear that the governor has announced it, that’s great,” she said.

Harris said he was especially gratified that AMARK will be occupying an existing building that hasn’t hosted a high-wage employer since Davis Yachts left Elizabeth City in 1996.

Jennifer Palestrant, president of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce, said she knows economic development officials worked very hard to put together the deal that brought AMARK to the city.

“And anytime that we can reuse a building and give it a new life, it’s always a fantastic thing,” Palestrant said.

County Commission Chairman Marshall Stevenson said he was “certainly glad that (AMARK’s expansion announcement has) happened.” Stevenson said AMARK’s decision is great for the community, particularly young people who need jobs.

Harris is optimistic AMARK can find enough people in the local area with the education and skills to fill the 43 jobs at its new Elizabeth City plant.

Harris said there have been numerous discussions between corporate and continuing education officials at College of The Albemarle about the AMARK plant project. He said COA can train machinists at its Elizabeth City campus and welders at its Dare County campus in Manteo.

Those interested in employment opportunities at the AMARK plant can contact the company at www.amarkcorp.com. They also can visit the Elizabeth City office of the N.C. Employment Security Commission at 422 McArthur Drive.