S. Carolina food processor to build NC facility, create jobs

LAURINBURG, N.C. (AP) — A South Carolina-based meals processor identified for supplying U.S. army fight rations will construct a facility in North Carolina, creating 440 jobs in a county with one of many state’s highest jobless charges.

SO-PAK-CO Inc. and Gov. Roy Cooper introduced on Tuesday the corporate’s $85 million funding in a brand new processing and packing operation in Laurinburg.

The brand new positions, which embrace managers, operators and administrative personnel, can have a median wage of greater than $45,000, which is above the countywide common in Scotland County of $40,894, based on a information launch from Cooper’s workplace.

Scotland County’s 7.7% unemployment charge for August, as reported by the state Commerce Division, was the second highest among the many 100 North Carolina counties.

SO-PAK-CO, primarily based in Mullins, South Carolina, might obtain $4.6 million in funds from the state over 12 years if it meets funding and job-creation thresholds. A state financial incentives panel authorised the Job Improvement Funding Grant on Tuesday.

SO-PAK-CO is a number one firm in producing shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meals. It gives food-processing providers to federal, state and native businesses in addition to industrial retail prospects, Cooper’s information launch mentioned.