GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 25 JOBS IN HOKE COUNTY
One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Unilever Expand in Raeford

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Unilever United States will expand in Hoke County, creating 25 jobs and investing $10.6 million during the next three years.  The announcement was made possible in part by a $60,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

“Unilever’s decision to expand brings more well paying jobs to Hoke County,” Easley said.  “We will continiue to work to provide the policies and skilled workforce that has helped us earn our most-business-friendly rating and make our state attractive to companies looking to expand and succeed.”

Unilever United States, a subsidiary of Unilever PLC of London and Unilever NV of Rotterdam, is a manufacturer and marketer of leading brands of home care, personal care and food products.  The company plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Raeford, where it produces a variety of brand name soaps, shampoos, deodorants and antiperspirants.  While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $836 plus benefits, which is higher than the Hoke County average weekly wage of $425 not including benefits.

“Unilever selected the Raeford site because it best met the needs of the North American market for our deodorant and antiperspirant business," said Raeford Plant Manager Larry D. Gibson.  “As a market leader, it is important to not only have the very best cost structure but also be in a position to meet the demands of our dynamic consumer base and the changing business needs of our customers.”

“Unilever’s decision to expand in Raeford shows clearly that our economic-development strategies are working here in Hoke County,” said state Sen. David F. Weinstein (D-Hoke, Robeson).

“This expansion is a win for our community and demonstrates how effectively our local and state agencies are working together to help existing industries grow,” said state Rep. Garland E. Pierce (D-Hoke, Robeson, Scotland).

“We are excited about the new opportunities this expansion will provide for the outstanding workers in our area,” said state Rep. Douglas Y. Yongue (D-Hoke, Robeson, Scotland).

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

Other partners who helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Hoke County, the Hoke County Economic Development Commission and the City of Raeford.

For more information about the company and employment opportunities, visit  www.unileverusa.com. Select job search under careers and on the next page select “Experienced Professionals click here for job search” and enter Raeford as the location.

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