Global Ingredient Supplier Selects Alamance County for New Distribution Center | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

Universal Preserv-A-Chem Will Create 39 Jobs and Invest $17 Million in Mebane

    RALEIGH: Universal Preserv-A-Chem, Inc. (UPI) has selected Mebane as the new location for its natural ingredients and chemical supply business, creating 39 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $17 million in Mebane with the project.

    "Communities like Mebane attract manufacturing companies and their suppliers because of North Carolina's strong transportation infrastructure and experienced workforce," said Governor Cooper. "UPI will be well positioned to grow and add to Alamance County's manufacturing and distribution industry."

    "We are very excited about making Mebane the new home for our state-of-the-art distribution center. This move will allow UPI to continue to provide world-class customer service with on time delivery and competitive pricing, as well as exceed conventional industry standards as one of the world's premier distributors of natural ingredients and chemicals for the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial trades," said Daniel Ravitz, President of UPI.

    UPI provides raw materials and ingredients to many industries, including personal care, food and beverage, flavor & fragrance, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing and sport nutrition. UPI was established in 1967 and now has 4,000 different product offerings and global partnerships with leading ingredient manufacturers. UPI's planned cGMP, ISO9001 facility in Mebane will provide temperature controlled warehousing, distribution, bulk storage and USP, FCC white room kosher repackaging of products in addition to quality control and laboratory analytical testing to assure product quality.

    "UPI's relocation to Alamance County brings more than the 39 positions employed at this facility," said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. "This project includes significant renovation and investment and positions Alamance to attract more manufacturers by growing the supply chain for a multitude of industries."

    N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. were instrumental in supporting the company's decision to locate in the state.

    Salaries for the new position will vary. Once all positions are filled, the average salary is expected to be $42,224, above the Alamance County average salary of $40,024.

    A performance-based grant of $75,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate UPI's move to Alamance County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    "Mebane's infrastructure, industrial real estate options and talent attracted UPI, and I know it's these qualities that will help them succeed," said N.C. Senator Rick Gunn.

    "I am proud to welcome UPI to Mebane and look forward to growing our partnership and succeeding together in Alamance County," said N.C. Representative Stephen M. Ross.

    In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce, Alamance County and the City of Mebane.

    About UPI: Universal Preserv-A-Chem, Inc. is a second-generation family owned wholesale chemical distributor and specialty manufacturer of chemicals and natural ingredients. For over 55 years, family leadership and vision has enabled UPI to become one of the leading providers of chemicals and natural ingredients throughout North America. For any & all inquiries on this project please contact Daniel Ravitz at 848-230-3938 or email dravitz@upichem.com. See upichem.com for additional information.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov