When it comes to Christmas presents for a county focused on growing its economy, what could be better than 149 new jobs (other than even more jobs)? Agility Fuel Systems’ announcement Monday that the company would build a regional headquarters on Julian Road added more than a little sparkle to the holidays for Rowan residents eager for good economic news.

Between the Agility plant and a recently announced retail development — both locating within the Summit Corporate Center — Rowan’s recovery from the recession is gaining momentum.

Agility develops natural gas systems for medium and heavy trucks, public transit buses and refuse trucks, tapping the growing popularity of natural gas as a cleaner, less costly alternative to diesel fuel. Among the truck manufacturers selling natural-gas models is Freightliner, which also has a plant in Rowan County.

Who uses natural gas trucks? According to the Wall Street Journal, United Parcel Service has added 300 such vehicles to its fleet this year. Companies such as Walmart, Office Depot, Lowe’s and Proctor & Gamble are asking trucking suppliers to use natural-gas vehicles “to comply with corporate policies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and pollution caused by burning diesel fuel,” the Journal reported in August.

Adaptation has been slow but steady. Diesel engines have grown more efficient, natural gas fueling stations are scarce in some areas, and the trucks cost more. But demand for natural gas vehicles is growing, nevertheless. Agility says it will hire 149 people within three years and could eventually have as many as 250 employees here. Growth in demand makes that sound promising.

Agility will take up 32 acres of Summit Corporate Center; the Keith Corp. has already started clearing the land. This is good news for Rowan’s economy and for the county commissioners who in 1996 voted to create Summit in a prime spot beside I-85 — then-Chairman Todd Arey, Steve Blount, Newton Cohen, David Rowland and Frank Tadlock. They knew it was a longterm investment; no one realized how long. RowanWorks lists Summit as a 153-acre certified site, with utilities in place.  Maybe Summit’s time has come.

For now, let’s be grateful for these 149 jobs. Welcome, Agility Fuel Systems. We’re grateful that you chose Rowan County.