Two Companies Announce 189 New Jobs, $233.75 Million in Investment in Rural N.C. Communities | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Last week, two companies in rural eastern North Carolina communities announced expansions that will create a total of 189 new jobs and invest $233.75 million in Robeson and Halifax counties.

    On June 30, Governor Cooper announced Elkay Corporation will construct and equip a new distribution facility and create 20 new jobs. Elkay Corp. manufacturers sinks for residential and commercial use. Elkay will be the first company to locate in a new 215-acre industrial park that the county is working to develop, and the infrastructure will also benefit the future development of the park.

    At the June 2021 meeting, the Golden LEAF Board awarded $250,000 to Robeson County to construct publicly owned water infrastructure.

    "Supporting the long-term economic success of North Carolina, especially rural communities, is the core mission of the Golden LEAF Foundation," said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. "Golden LEAF is pleased to be a partner in funding Robeson County to bring critical water infrastructure to its new 215-acre industrial park. This project is enabling Elkay Corporation to create 20 new, quality jobs in the area."

    The 20 new full-time jobs will have an average annual wage of $48,960. In addition, $33.75 million will be invested in privately-owned property, plant, and equipment in Robeson County.

    On July 1, Governor Cooper announced Roseburg Forest Products, an innovative forest products manufacturer, will develop a sustainable high-tech sawmill operation in the Town of Weldon. The new sawmill will create 137 new jobs in Halifax County. Roseburg Forest Products is a manufacturer of traditional wood products, specialty panels, and engineered products. The company is locating a new manufacturing facility at the ROVA site in Weldon in Halifax County.

    At the June 2021 meeting, the Golden LEAF Board awarded $350,000 to Halifax County to pay for a portion of the demolition of existing buildings at the site.

    "Golden LEAF is excited to partner with Halifax County to help bring 169 quality jobs to the area," said Hamilton. "Long-term economic advancement is the core mission of the Golden LEAF Foundation. The Board is pleased to be a partner in bringing a manufacturing project of this magnitude to Halifax County."

    The 169 new jobs will have an average annual wage of $50,708 and the company will invest $200 million in privately-owned property, plant, and equipment in Halifax County.