Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Belgium-Based Ontex Group First Manufacturer at Rockingham County, North Carolina, Industrial Park

05/27/2020
Ontex Group, a Belgian-based company specializing in the manufacturing of disposable hygiene products, will locate a $96 million plant in Rockingham County, North Carolina. The project is expected to create more than 400 jobs.

Owned by The Carroll Companies, Carroll Industrial Development’s South Rockingham Corporate Park is a 350 acre industrial park south of where NC 68 diverges from I-73-US 220.

“Following the previously-announced decision to invest in manufacturing in the eastern part of the country to complement shipments from abroad, we are proud to announce the forthcoming opening of Ontex’ first U.S. production site,” Ontex CEO Charles Bouaziz said. “With this meaningful step we accelerate the execution of our strategic priority to increase our U.S. presence.”

“We are excited to add Ontex to our industrial base and look forward to a long-term partnership ensuring their success,” said Leigh Cockram, Rockingham County Economic Development Director. “This announcement is not only a great opportunity for job expansion in our area, but also solidifies that Rockingham County, including the South Rockingham County Corporate Park, is positioned well for future growth.”

“Even in tough economic times, companies like Ontex see that North Carolina is ready to support their business with a strong workforce,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Carolina had a solid foundation for job growth before the virus, and that will make the road to recovery a little faster in the coming months.”

“Today’s announcement by Ontex demonstrates that companies from around the world remain confident in North Carolina and its economy,” North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland said. “All the pieces in place before COVID-19, our modern infrastructure, unbeatable workforce and convenient access to markets, will still be in place after the crisis is over.”

According to state officials, Ontex’s new facility in Rockingham County plans to employ production workers, maintenance personnel, logistics specialists, supervisors and other staff. New positions would offer yearly wages averaging $40,130 in total cash compensation, creating a $16.2 million annual payroll impact for the surrounding community. Rockingham County’s overall average annual wage is $35,146.

The arrival of Ontex will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the 12-year term of the grant, the project is estimated to grow North Carolina’s GDP by more than $1.2 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the 403 new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes a potential reimbursement to the company of up to $3,080,000 over 12 years. State payments occur only after verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met incremental job creation and investment targets.

By law, projects supported by JDIG must result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a recipient company. The provision ensures all North Carolina communities benefit from the JDIG program. Ontex’s Rockingham County operations are projected to generate $30.3 million in state tax revenue over the life of the grant.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce worked closely with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) in a collaborative effort to facilitate Ontex’s selection of Rockingham County. Other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, Rockingham County, Rockingham County Economic Development, the Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board and Duke Energy.

Exclusive Research