NEWTON, N.C. (WHKY) — Catawba County commissioners have ended a performance-based economic development agreement with Wanzl North America after the company failed to meet required investment and job-creation targets.

Wanzl North America manufactures shopping carts and other retail and material-handling equipment. The company operates a manufacturing facility at 700 Technibilt Drive in Newton.

Under the 2023 incentive agreement, Wanzl committed to invest at least $15 million in constructing, upgrading and equipping its Newton facility. The company was also required to create at least 10 new jobs and retain 309 existing jobs by December 31, 2025.

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners approved termination of the agreement at its September 21 meeting. According to the county’s official meeting recap, Wanzl did not meet the minimum investment or job-creation requirements.

Because those requirements were not met, Catawba County made no incentive payments to the company.

Newton City Council is expected to consider similar action involving its separate agreement with Wanzl. That action remains pending.

The county commission’s vote ends Catawba County’s portion of the incentive arrangement without a public payout.