Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced that Qualicaps Inc., a manufacturer of gelatin capsules, will expand its facility in Guilford County.
The company plans to create 123 jobs and invest more than $26 million over the next three years in Whitsett. The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $235,000. The grant is contingent upon proof of job creation and receipt of a local funding match.
“Secretary Decker and I are working together to ensure that we’re addressing the needs of our state’s existing manufacturers,” said Governor McCrory. “We must continue to support this important industry by investing in job training programs, education and critical infrastructure.”
Qualicaps is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualicaps Group. Qualicaps is a leading manufacturer and supplier of two-piece medical and nutrition grade gelatin capsules. The company currently employs more than 150 people at its Whitsett facility, which serves as the North American headquarters and North American manufacturing hub.
“Our highly-skilled workforce is a major reason why North Carolina has one of the fastest growing bioscience clusters in the nation,” said Sharon Decker, N.C. Secretary of Commerce. “We thank Qualicaps for choosing to reinvest in North Carolina and wish them success in Guilford County.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual payroll for the new jobs will be nearly $4.7 million.
"Qualicaps has been a part of North Carolina for almost 20 years and the One NC Fund helped make it possible for us to continue our heritage and growth in this state,” said Michael D. Rowan, President of Qualicaps Americas and Equipment. “We look forward to continued success in Guilford Country for our business, our employees and North Carolina.”
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.
“I am delighted that Qualicaps is bringing so many new jobs and millions in investment to Guilford County," said Sen. Trudy Wade. "I look forward to working with Governor McCrory on business-friendly policies to ensure we see many more of these types of jobs announcements.”
"I'm excited about Qualicaps growing in Whitsett," said Rep. Jon Hardister. "The company's decision to expand is great news for our citizens here in Guilford County."
Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and Guilford County.