Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Reser’s Fine Foods, a national producer of prepared foods and salads, will expand its plant to the Halifax Industrial Center in Halifax County. The company plans to create 500 jobs in three phases over the next five years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $1 million grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“We are working hard to create jobs and North Carolina is proud to host a national-brand business like Reser’s Fine Foods, which is building on its success here,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our state’s strategic location, skilled workers and top business climate continue to attract growing companies from around the nation.”
Reser’s Fine Foods Inc., headquartered in Oregon, makes prepared salads, dips, side dishes, Mexican foods and specialty products under a variety of brand names. The company has facilities nationwide. The company’s goal is to expand production of prepared foods at its Halifax plant, starting with a first-phase investment of $15 million in 2010.
“We are convinced North Carolina is the best strategic location, and we are excited to expand there. We plan to build a facility that the people of Halifax County and our employees are proud of, and one that will continue to produce great products,” said company CEO Al Reser. “I want to thank Gov. Perdue and her staff for helping us finalize this project. I also want to recognize the Halifax County commissioners and Cathy Scott, executive director of the Halifax Economic Development Commission, and her associates for their assistance in moving this project along.”
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.
“We are all going through tough times and the people of Halifax County and Northeastern North Carolina need to know that we are working aggressively to expand existing businesses and attract new ones,” said Sen. Ed Jones. “This could not come at a better time. I join the Governor and my neighbors in celebrating these new jobs at Reser’s Fine Foods.”
“The announcement of 500 jobs to our community is certainly great news. Our skilled workforce continues to be one of our top assets as we work to grow jobs in Halifax County,” said Rep. Angela Bryant.
“North Carolina continues to be a great state for businesses to locate and expand, and we welcome the expansion of Reser’s Fine Foods in Halifax County,” said Rep. Lucy Allen.
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 its 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, Halifax County, Halifax County Business Horizons, Halifax County Economic Development Commission, North Carolina’s Northeast Commission and Roanoke Electric.
For more information on Reser’s Fine Foods, including job opportunities with the company, go to: www.resers.com.