GP Star Relocates to Devils Lake from Calif

GP STAR RELOCATES TO DEVILS LAKE FROM CALIF GP STAR, a leading value-added manufacturer of high-end motorcycles, today announced its decision to locate the company's remanufacturing, sales, shipping and administration offices from Los Angeles to Devils Lake. "We are delighted to be moving to Devils Lake, a superb address for our company," said Elias McGeeney, GP STAR's president. "The move will increase our ability to compete in our complex and changing industry. California has become a cost-prohibitive place to do business." "North Dakota officials and the City of Devils Lake economic development agency have worked diligently over the last four months to help us select this community. We view Devils Lake as a long-term partner and a critical part of our growth plans," said McGeeney. "We are immediately looking to make five key hires and further expand to 20-25 people in wage ranges of $20,000 to $60,000, with full benefit, vacation and bonus incentive packages. Most of the hires will come from the local area." The company intends to set up facilities in July and become operational August 1. Dave Dircks, president of Forward Devils Lake Development Corp., said, "We are extremely excited about the relocation of GP STAR to the Devils Lake community. This project clearly demonstrates our ability to compete on an international level for quality projects that diversify our economy and create new and better paying employment opportunities in the Devils Lake area." Jim Dahlen, executive director of Forward Devils Lake, said, "This is an exciting development for Devils Lake. Working hand-in-hand with the state, we were able to provide the company with just the right site and meet all of their finance, infrastructure and logistical requirements." Lee Peterson, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce, agreed that a strong partnership between Forward Devils Lake and the Department of Commerce helped make GP STAR the first California company to relocate to North Dakota. Peterson said, "With GP STAR's announcement today, we are once again proving that we are getting the job done by doing things differently. It takes teamwork to make economic development happen. At the North Dakota Department of Commerce we are committed to building solid relationships with local communities and local economic developers. We will continue to partner with and support North Dakota communities to create quality career jobs. Working together, we will continue to succeed." GP STAR is a value-added manufacturer and distributor of performance motorcycles. For more than 10 years, GP STAR's core business has been the import, customization and sale of unique street and race motorcycles. Strong demand for GP STAR's line of exotic on-road performance motorcycles prompted the decision to expand operations and relocate. - 30 - For more information contact: Jim Dahlen, Executive Director, Forward Devils Lake, 701-662-4933 Lee Peterson, Commissioner, N.D. Department of Commerce, 701-328-5300 BACK TO HOME PAGE