Herbalife, a company that manufactures and markets nutrition products, will invest approximately $130 million to establish a manufacturing facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with plans to create 493 jobs over the next three years.

The company plans to purchase and retrofit the former Dell plant, at 3200 Temple School Road, to create a world-class manufacturing facility, which is in full compliance with U.S. Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary supplements and food products.

The project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant and the One North Carolina Fund, said Gov. Bev Perdue. “North Carolina continues to be a top choice for companies looking to establish advanced manufacturing facilities,” said Gov. Perdue. “We know we have a strong business climate and the skilled workforce that Herbalife needs to grow and flourish in North Carolina.”

The company plans to produce a wide range of its nutrition products at the new Winston-Salem production center, which will be Herbalife’s largest owned manufacturing facility. “Herbalife is thankful to Gov. Perdue, who played a key role in our decision to locate our operations in North Carolina, as well as all those involved from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, the Winston-Salem City Council and various business development groups,” said Rich Goudis, chief operating officer. “Herbalife is excited about the opportunities this new facility offers to both our business and the local economy.”

As an incentive the company has been awarded a grant of up to $1 million from the state’s One North Carolina Fund. This fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects deemed by the Governor to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy. One North Carolina Fund grants require a local match, and this grant is contingent upon approval of local incentives.