Dell to build plant in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Dell Inc. said yesterday that it would build its third US manufacturing plant in North Carolina, employing at least 1,500 people within five years. The new facility, scheduled to open in the fall of 2005 at a site to be determined, will produce desktop computers.

"The education system, commitment to businesses and proximity to a large and growing base of Dell customers were important in our decision," said Kevin Rollins, Dell's chief executive, said at a news conference with state officials.

The new North Carolina plant will employ about 700 in its first year of operation and up to 1,500 employees within five years.

Dell also has plants in Tennessee and Texas.

Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, has 13 percent of the global computer market and employs about 46,000. The company had $41 billion in revenue last year.

Shares of Dell fell 25 cents to close at $37.43 yesterday on the Nasdaq Stock Market.