Electrolux moves washer, dryer R&D to NC from Iowa

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Appliance maker Electrolux is moving 80 jobs in its division developing better clothes washers and dryers from Iowa to its North American headquarters in North Carolina.

Electrolux said Tuesday that product design and testing will be discontinued at the company's Webster City, Iowa, site in the third quarter of next year. The move will increase its employment in Charlotte to more than 800.

The Sweden-based appliance maker moved its North American headquarters from Georgia to Charlotte in July 2010 in return for state tax breaks and grants worth up to $26 million, plus more from local governments. The company said last month it surpassed its hiring requirements under that deal.