The Economy

National Food Products Maker Expanding in North Carolina

March 8, 2010

Pierre Foods Inc., a Cincinnati-based producer of fully cooked meats and frozen sandwiches, will expand its operations in Claremont, N.C., according to Gov. Bev Perdues office.

Josh Cable

As part of the expansion, the company will create 500 jobs and invest $16.8 million during the next three years. The company also will retain more than 700 existing jobs at its Claremont facility, according to the state.

Although wages will vary by job function, the new jobs will pay an annual average salary of $26,467.

"Pierre Foods is thrilled at this opportunity to support both growth in our business and economic activity in the state of North Carolina, said Bill Toler, CEO of Pierre Foods. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the state and thank all of our dedicated employees within the region for their contributions to our success.

The company received a $600,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The 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. The grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.