Empire Foods, an advanced technology food processor, is creating 200 jobs in Halifax County, North Carolina. The company will invest $2.5 million in the coming five years. The One North Carolina Fund is supporting the expansion with a $400,000 grant.

The company uses technology licensed from the North Carolina State University to produce shelf-stable foods. The expansion will allow it to produce fruits and vegetables intended for the military and restaurant markets. Empire Foods plans to source the produce from local and regional farmers.

"We are pleased that we are able to keep this technology in North Carolina where it was created, in cooperation with North Carolina State University. Locating this project in North Carolina, we can look forward to continued collaboration with the university's Food Science Department," said Greg Hatem, chairman of Empire Foods. J. Michael Drozd, president and CEO added, "The economic development team did a wonderful job making it possible for us to be in North Carolina, and most importantly, in Halifax County. The wide variety of products that can be grown as well as the very capable work force made Halifax County the top location."