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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Abstract Ice Plans Forest City, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations

11/27/2024
Abstract Ice Inc, a manufacturer of specialty craft ice products, plans to establish operations in Forest City, North Carolina. The $14.7 million project is expected to create 26 jobs in Rutherford County.

The new manufacturing facility will serve North Carolina and other East Coast markets. Production is scheduled to begin by mid-2025.

“We are excited to be coming to North Carolina and look forward to becoming a part of the Forest City community,” said Todd Stevenson, CEO of Abstract Ice. “We were attracted to make North Carolina our new facility’s home in part due to how business-friendly you have been, and we are grateful for the support we’ve received from the State as well as Rutherford County and Forest City.”

To support the project the company received a performance-based grant of $75,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The OneNC 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 OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“Abstract Ice's expansion in North Carolina reinforces our reputation as a top destination for innovative and visionary companies,” noted N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Their presence will energize our local economy and tap into our state's diverse and skilled manufacturing workforce in the Rutherford County area.”

Abstract Ice provides artisanal ice in a range of shapes and sizes, from custom-etched cubes with logos or artistic designs, to spheres, to tall cubes, to interesting gem-like shapes. The company primarily serves bars, grocery stores and event venues. The company’s products are currently only available in California and Oregon.

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, North Carolina Community College System, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County and the Town of Forest City.

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