Two economic development announcements today are expected to create more than $14 million in investment in Halifax County along with the creation of 129 jobs.
Governor Roy Cooper announced Reser’s Fine Foods will expand its current operations and JBB Packaging will open in the former Flambeau building in Weldon’s Becker Industrial Park.
Reser’s expansion
The Reser’s expansion in the Halifax Industrial Center off Highway 903 is expected to create 79 jobs over the next 5 years, the state announced in a press release.
The company plans to invest $3.2 million in Halifax with the project.
“Halifax County is a prime location for manufacturers with strategic access to rail and road transport,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “That transportation and distribution infrastructure, coupled with an experienced manufacturing workforce, made it the right choice for Reser’s to stay in North Carolina.”
Reser’s Fine Foods began in 1950 in Cornelius, Oregon, producing refrigerated salads.
Over the next several decades, the company expanded into several other food categories, including Mexican foods.
In 2010, Reser’s expanded its West-based tortilla business by opening the Don Pancho facility in Halifax.
“Our tortilla business continued to grow in the Eastern United States over the past nine years, and it became clear we needed to invest to support both current and future demand in this region,” said Reser’s Fine Foods CEO Mark Reser. “The One North Carolina Fund grant, along with the continued support of North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, made the choice to invest here in Halifax an easy one. We will expand capacity by investing in new equipment at our existing plant, and increase the site’s workforce by nearly 40 percent over the next five years.”
Salaries for the new position will vary.
Once all positions are filled, the average salary is expected to be $35,325, above the Halifax County average salary of $31,839.
A performance-based grant of $250,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Reser’s expansion in Halifax County.
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs.
Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.
All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Reser’s Fine Foods has been a strong partner here in Halifax County, and we are proud to continue winning their business with this expansion,” said state Senator Toby Fitch Jr.
“Reser’s Fine Foods chose to expand in Halifax because they know we have the workforce they need to succeed,” said state Representative Michael H. Wray. “I’m proud to join the community in welcoming Reser’s expansion here.”
“Reser’s Fine Foods has a long history in Halifax County and we are thrilled to support them in the expansion of Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Food products,” said Vernon J. Bryant, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners. “We look forward to the positive impact this expansion will have on our community and to the residents employed by the company.”
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Halifax County and the Halifax County Economic Development Commission.
JBB Packaging
JBB Packaging LLC, a plastic packaging manufacturer, will open a new plastic film manufacturing facility in Halifax County, creating 50 jobs, the state announced today.
The company plans to invest $11 million in Weldon with the project.
“JBB Packaging chose this location at the Becker Industrial Park because it was formerly used for plastics manufacturing, it has the space they need now and for future growth, and it’s half a mile from Interstate 95,” said Copeland. “It’s this combination of infrastructure and industry expertise that makes Halifax County a winning choice for manufactures.”
JBB Packaging will recycle plastics and produce flexible packaging and garment bags.
The new facility moving into the Flambeau Building in Becker Industrial Park will host state-of-the art equipment producing the highest quality at the most affordable cost.
North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina were instrumental in supporting the company’s decision to locate in the state.
Salaries for the new position will vary.
Once all positions are filled, the average salary is expected to be $40,400, above the Halifax County average salary of $31,839.
“We’re very pleased that JBB Packaging has selected Halifax County for its new manufacturing facility,” said Fitch. “I welcome and look forward to working with the company’s executives to help them find success here.”
“Many local organizations and leaders worked together to help this company locate in Halifax County,” said Wray. “We’re proud of this collaboration and are ready to assist JBB Packaging as they grow in North Carolina.”
“JBB Packaging is bringing quality, well-paying manufacturing jobs and a significant capital investment to Halifax County,” said Bryant. “I am proud of our community’s effort to maximize our business talent, resources, and collaborative spirit to support the location of JBB Packaging.”
