Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Northeast Foods Inc., a national contract baker for the commercial and fast-food industries, will open a new bakery operation in Johnston County. The company plans to invest $25.4 million and create 84 jobs during the next two years in Clayton. The new bakery operation is made possible in part by a $350,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“Creating jobs continues to be my top priority. Companies like Northeast Foods know they can successfully invest, create new jobs and grow their operation here,” said Gov. Perdue. “North Carolina’s top business climate and skilled workforce make our state the perfect location for businesses to locate and expand.”
Northeast Foods, headquartered in Maryland, has been a key supplier to McDonald’s since 1965. The privately owned company has grown to become McDonald’s largest supplier of buns in the United States. Northeast Foods has five operating facilities in the U.S. and also provides storage and distribution for its products.
The company plans to build a new commercial bakery in Clayton to serve two Golden State Foods distribution centers in Garner and Lexington, S.C. While wages will vary by position, the overall average annual wage of the new positions is $41,815, which exceeds the Johnston County annual average wage of $31,408. The company also plans to provide a strong benefits package.
“We are pleased to be able to bring new opportunities to the people of Johnston County and its surrounding communities,” said Bill Paterakis, president of Northeast Foods. “We believe our new bakery will be a win-win for our company, McDonald’s and the people of North Carolina. Our vision is to continue being an industry leader in innovation by continually setting the highest standards in quality and service. This expansion will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality products to McDonald’s and its customers in this part of the U.S.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state will work aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain our workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other project partners include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Department of Revenue, N.C. Community Colleges, Johnston County, Town of Clayton and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership.
For more information on Northeast Foods Inc., including job opportunities with the company, go to: http://www.nefoods.com/ .