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Governor McCrory announces Lotus Bakeries to create 60 new jobs in Alamance County
Story Date: 11/7/2016
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Source: PRESS RELEASE, 11/4/16
Governor Pat McCrory, North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced today that Lotus Bakeries will create 60 new jobs by December 31, 2020 as it opens its first U.S manufacturing operation in Alamance County. The company plans to invest more than $48 million at the N.C. Industrial Center in Mebane.
“We welcome Lotus Bakeries, which is a strong fit for our state’s food manufacturing industry,” said Governor McCrory. “This company recognizes that North Carolina’s convenient location, excellent business climate and well-trained workforce will support its North American growth strategy.”
Lotus Bakeries plans to staff its production site in Alamance County with bakers, packagers, quality assurance specialists and other employees. The company’s operations will add nearly $2.1 million in annual payroll impact to the local economy.
Lotus Bakeries, with headquarters in Belgium, is an internationally-oriented company with production facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Sweden, and 17 own sales organizations in Europe, America and Asia. Lotus Bakeries also works with commercial partners in 40 countries worldwide. Lotus Bakeries has approximately 1,350 employees. In 2015 the Group achieved a turnover of EUR 411.6 million. The shares of Lotus Bakeries are listed on Euronext Brussels.
“North Carolina is the southeast’s number one destination for manufacturing jobs, and that includes consumer foods and beverages,” said Secretary Skvarla. “The arrival of Lotus Bakeries marks the latest international company that is making a significant investment in our state.”
Since Governor McCrory entered office in January of 2013, North Carolina’s economy has generated more than 300,000 jobs.
“Having a Lotus Biscoff plant in the USA is a major step for our company. For the first time since our foundation in 1932 Biscoff will be produced outside of Lembeke, Belgium. Lotus Bakeries and all its employees are extremely proud with this expansion in the world’s largest consumer market,” said Jan Boone, CEO of Lotus Bakeries.
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $180,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. 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. One NC grants also require and are contingent on financial matches from local governments.
Numerous state and local allies worked with EDPNC and N.C. Commerce in supporting the arrival of Lotus Bakeries. They include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Alamance County Board of Commissioners, the City of Mebane, the Alamance Chamber and Elon University.
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