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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Japan-based Morinaga Invests $48 Million To Establish Facility In Orange County, North Carolina

09/03/2013
Morinaga, an international confectionary company, will invest $48 million to locate a new facility in Orange County, North Carolina, with plans to create 90 jobs over the next three years.

Founded in Japan in 1899, the firm produces a wide array of confectionaries. Products include milk caramel, chocolates, cookies, foodstuffs such as cocoa mix, and frozen desserts such as ice cream sandwiches and sundae cups. Its North Carolina activities will primarily consist of blending syrup, sugar, flavorings and other ingredients to produce soft candy.

“North Carolina is well-known as a state which provides a remarkable business environment,” said Masao Hoshino, CEO of Morinaga America, Inc. “We feel honored to be a member of the community and are determined to do our very best to contribute to the state as well as to make our business in the U.S. a success.”

“Morinaga’s decision to locate in Orange County will mean more North Carolina products being sold in the global marketplace,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “Our robust talent pool and attractive quality of life will be a perfect fit for this growing company.”

“North Carolina’s strong workforce continues to be an important asset in recruiting globally competitive companies,” said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. “Morinaga knows our state’s sweet quality of life will complement the confectionary products that will soon be made in Orange County.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $264,000. The One NC 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. Incentive agreements with the City of Mebane and Orange County have not yet been approved.

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Department of Transportation, and N.C. Community Colleges.

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