Cree, Inc. announces the expansion of its North Carolina manufacturing capacity and the addition of North Carolina-based green jobs as the market for energy-efficient LED lighting continues to expand.

Cree expects to add 275 North Carolina jobs during 2009 to serve the expansion of LED manufacturing capacity and other staffing needs at its Durham, N.C., facility. Cree anticipates creating an additional 300 jobs by the end of 2012.

“Green jobs are a cornerstone of my vision for building a 21st century global economy in North Carolina,” Gov. Bev Perdue said. “This job announcement fits perfectly with my plan to grow a world-leading green economy in North Carolina that turns green into gold for decades to come.”

Cree has also begun manufacturing and assembling LED lighting products with Flextronics in Mecklenburg County, N.C. Initial products made in this facility are the ENERGY STAR®-qualified LR6 recessed LED downlight and award-winning LR24 LED troffer replacement.

“We are seeing tremendous growth for LED lighting,” said Cree CEO Chuck Swoboda. “Energy-efficient lighting has its roots right here in North Carolina, and Cree is proud to be bringing more green jobs to our state.”

Cree’s industry-leading line of LED lights, including recessed downlights and troffer replacements, began North Carolina production in August 2009.