NC: Global Producer of Non-woven Materials Expands in Granville County, to Create 25 Jobs

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Gov. Bev Perdue recently announced that Shalag US, Inc., a producer of non-woven fabrics used in hygienic wipes, will expand in Oxford. The project is expected to create 25 jobs, and the company expects to invest $15.5 million in the plant by the end of 2012. The project was made possible in part by a $75,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“Creating jobs for our citizens is my top priority, and Shalag is a dynamic company working to continually develop unique products and technologies,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our top-rated business climate and skilled workforce make North Carolina an excellent location for this kind of forward-thinking company.”

Shalag Industries Ltd. is an Israel-based company engaged in the production and marketing of non-woven materials, with a focus on the hygienic and wipes markets. The proposed expansion of the facility in Oxford would add a second thermo-bonding production line. The company employs a skilled staff with close to 20 years of extensive experience in the field of nonwovens. They strategically focus on the development of products that are outside the mainstream, and have the diversity and adaptive ability to supply its global customers with a wide range of products in both large and small quantities.

Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $34,400 not including benefits. The Granville County average annual wage is $34,112.

The One North Carolina 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.

“Oxford needed this kind of boost,” said Sen. Doug Berger, of Youngsville. “We have worked continuously alongside Governor Perdue to create every job we can in North Carolina. And I’m pleased that this expansion comes at a time when we need it the most.”

“Our history of investing in education and worker training has allowed us to build the kind of educated workforce and infrastructure that fuel the growth of international companies like Shalag.” said Rep. Jim Crawford, of Oxford.

North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train, and retrain its workforce, laying the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.

Through the use of the One North Carolina Fund, more than 50,000 jobs and $9 billion in investments have been created since 2001. Other partners that helped with this project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina Community Colleges, and Granville County.