Triangle.

• Position: Higher electricity rates for businesses in much of eastern North Carolina. - American Growler plans to move its headquarters to Robbins. - TriVirix moves to Milaca, Minnesota, as part of a companywide reorganization.

Rates might shock Progress customers

Businesses in much of the eastern half of the state--and a pocket in the west--will face higher electricity rates this fall if the N.C. Utilities Commission approves a rate hike by Raleigh-based Progress Energy. Bills for the utility's commercial customers would increase an average of 10.9%. For industrial customers, the increase would be 13.8%. Progress distributes electricity to Raleigh, much of eastern and central North Carolina and five counties in the west. It wants to boost rates to cover rising prices for coal and natural gas used to run its power plants. The utility doesn't make a profit on fuel-related rate hikes. If approved, the increase would take effect Oct. 1. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9.

ROBBINS -- American Growler, a maker of military vehicles, plans to move its headquarters here from Ocala, Fla., and create 40 jobs within three years. The company will make off-road vehicles to be used with the V22 Osprey aircraft. Weekly wages will average $615, compared with the Moore County average of $552.

DURHAM -- TriVirix, a contract manufacturer of electronic equipment used by doctors and scientists, moved to Milaca, Minn., as part of a companywide reorganization. TriVirix was the fastest-growing company in the state from 2000 to 2004--revenue grew 6,725% to $51.5 million--according to the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm.

DURHAM -- Parata Systems, which makes robotic drug dispensers used in...