With an unemployment rate that has been consistently one of the highest in the region, Caldwell County will soon welcome a company that plans to bring new jobs.
Carolina Prime Pets, which is currently located in Murphy and makes dog treats, plans to relocate to Lenoir and hire up to 150 workers within the next two years, according to information from Caldwell County. That’s the largest number of new jobs announced in the county in years, according to a release from Caldwell County Economic Development Commission.
An official announcement about the company’s relocation to the area is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday on the upper level of Broyhill Civic Center on U.S. 321. The announcement is expected following the regular meeting of the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission. Company, county and state officials are expected to be at the announcement.
Carolina Prime Pets plans to buy and renovate the 277,411-square-foot former NACCO Industries building on Morganton Boulevard SW, in Lenoir for around $4.5 million. It currently leases its space in Murphy. The company estimates opening its facility in Lenoir sometime in mid or late 2012, according to the release
The company has received financing in the form of Industrial Revenue Bonds up to $4 million through the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Caldwell County commissioners also agreed to provide an economic development incentive to the company with $296,000, or $2,000 per job, from the county’s Sales Tax Reinvestment Fund.
Some of the products the company produces include jerky treats, natural pork and beef treats and sweet potato treats, according to its website.
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