Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Nutkao USA, Inc. will be locating its nut butter manufacturing operation in Nash County. The company plans to create 100 new jobs and invest more than $17 million over the next five years in Rocky Mount.
“Eastern North Carolina is letting loose the unlimited talent of their workforce because of companies like Nutkao USA,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “We welcome Nutkao to Rocky Mount, and we look forward to having them as a strategic partner for North Carolina.”
Nutkao USA, Inc. is an international producer of nut-based spreads, creams, and fillings. They produce hazelnut butter spreads, cocoa and cocoa/nut spreads, and milk and dark chocolate spreads. The hazelnut spread market is a growing sub- category of peanut butter throughout the United States.
The Italian-based company has developed into an international leader in the production of spreads in the private label segment. Nutkao also now plays a significant role in the Italian market of semifinished products for the sweet industry, including liquid chocolate, chocolate drops, and spreads in cisterns and buckets.
Davide Braida, President of Nutkao USA expressed their appreciation ““The USA venture is a key step for Nutkao International development. We are happy to build our new manufacturing operation in Nash County where , thanks to the local authorities support , we have identified the ideal conditions to run our USA business. We appreciate the efforts of the State of North Carolina and we thank all the partners involved. We are here to build a long and fruitful relationship with the local community.”
“Nutkao’s decision to locate in Nash County will mean more North Carolina products being sold in the global marketplace,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker. “Eastern North Carolina’s heritage in manufacturing, robust talent pool and attractive quality of life will be a perfect fit for this growing company.”
Frank Harrison, Chairman of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership “We are so pleased and excited that NutKao USA has selected Nash County as the site for their first US manufacturing facility. This is a great addition to the food manufacturing family already located in the Twin County region. The jobs and investment committed by this company further illustrate that this area is competitive for global projects. Congratulazioni e benvenuti to North Carolina (Congratulations and welcome to North Carolina)!”
Fred Belfield, Chairman , Nash County Commissioners states, “This is so exciting for Nash County! Our citizens need the jobs that NutKao USA will bring to Nash County, we are always in the hunt for new companies to locate to this area and this win speaks volumes about our area. An available workforce, employee training, lower cost of doing business, can “do” attitudes and available sites and buildings are key factors to projects like this, and Nash County welcomes NutKao to our corporate community with open arms. They have a great product, and we can be proud it will be produced here. What a great day for the residents of Nash County! “
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $35,790 plus benefits. The Nash County average annual wage is $35,450.
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $210,000. 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.
“Our top-notch workforce and commitment to community economic development have created a strong business climate, and Nutkao’s announcement will bring needed jobs to our area,” said Senator Angela Bryant.
“We would like to thank Nutkao for selecting Nash County for its manufacturing center,” said Rep. Bobbie Richardson.
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Nash County, City of Rocky Mount, The Golden Leaf Foundation and Carolinas Gateway Partnership.
For more information about Nutkao USA, including job opportunities, visit http://www.nutkao.com/en/