State Release:

AmeriQual Aseptic, a food processing company, will create 76 jobs as it expands its operations in Montgomery County, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday. The company will invest $23.8 million in expanding its current facility in Troy.

“Today’s announcement is the latest example of a manufacturer finding success doing business in North Carolina and expanding their footprint here,” Cooper said. “For companies like AmeriQual, our strong economy and top-flight workforce make the decision simple.”

AmeriQual Aseptic is a food manufacturer that develops, processes, produces, packages and distributes shelf-stable foods. AmeriQual Aseptic will manufacture protein beverages using practices that prevent contamination. Its current operations in North Carolina include Carolina Dairy, which manufactures yogurt-based products in Biscoe, and Wright Foods, an aseptic food processor in Troy.

“We are very excited about the new operation in Troy,” said Jon Geisler, executive vice chairman of AmeriQual Group Holdings, LLC. “Our mission is to be the leading producer of high-quality shelf stable products in the United States. This new facility gives us critical capacity to serve the rapidly expanding aseptic beverage segment.”

“North Carolina is the second largest state for food processing,” said Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “With a great supply chain and excellent, low-cost business environment, AmeriQual Aseptic made a great decision to expand in Montgomery County.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. supported the company’s decision to expand to the state. Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position, but the average annual wage will be $42,561. The average annual wage in Montgomery County is $35,919.

A performance-based grant of $500,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate AmeriQual Aseptic’s new operation in North Carolina. 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.

“With more than 30 years in the food industry AmeriQual Aseptic will be a welcomed long-term employer to Troy,” said N.C. Sen.Eddie Gallimore. “Bringing 76 jobs and an investment of more than $20 million, this will be a great opportunity for the district.”

“This expansion is great news for Montgomery County,” said N.C. Rep. Scott Brewer. “We’re thrilled to have a company add more jobs and increase their investment in our community.”

In addition to North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Montgomery Community College, Montgomery County and Montgomery County’s Economic Development Office.