Biotechnology company to create 52 jobs in Brunswick County

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — CMS Food Solutions, Inc., owner of an innovative proprietary food safety technology, will open a manufacturing facility in Leland according to the governor’s office. The project is expected to create 52 jobs and the company expects to invest $4.4 million in the plant. The project was made possible in part by a $32,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

CMS Food Solutions, Inc. is a privately held corporation that does research and development, marketing and manufacturing of biotechnologies. CMS Food Solutions’ proprietary antimicrobial applications are custom blended specifically targeting pathogens and spoilage bacteria to preserve harvested fruits and vegetables as well as other foods. The manufacturing processes use natural ingredients and produce no waste. CMS currently has a manufacturing facility in Conroe, Texas. Its multi-year sales agreements with companies in the food industry require the current expansion in production capacity. The company expects the plant to be operational in 2012.

Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs is estimated to be $43,115, plus benefits. The Brunswick County average annual wage is $32,500.

“CMS Foods is committed to making foods safer for consumers,” CMS Chairman and co-Founder Jim Burns said in a statement. “G-99, our revolutionary produce wash, is the most advanced product available for the control of food-borne bacteria. We had multiple considerations in looking for a new site, and Leland – from our standpoint – was a home run. The work force here, location, research conducted in North Carolina’s universities, and the emphasis on an eco-friendly manufacturing environment, all played a significant part in our decision. We couldn’t be happier with the selection, and look forward to being a great corporate neighbor, and an important part of the North Carolina community.”

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.

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, Brunswick County and Progress Energy.

For more information about CMS foods, including job opportunities, please visit www.g99producewash.com.