Governor Pat McCrory, North Carolina Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced a 100-job expansion by Snyder’s-Lance, Inc. in Mecklenburg County. The company will invest $38 million over the coming three years at its Charlotte headquarters and production facility.
“Snyder’s-Lance is a leading name in North Carolina’s food manufacturing industry and a prominent corporate headquarters,” said Governor McCrory. “North Carolina’s talented workforce and competitive business climate will support the expansion of this international snack food provider.”
Snyder’s-Lance is the second-largest maker of salty snacks in the U.S. Its popular brands include Snyder's of Hanover®, Lance®, Kettle Brand®, Cape Cod®, Snack Factory® Pretzel Crisps®, Pop Secret®, Emerald®, Diamond of California®, Late July®, and other brands. The company was formed by the 2010 merger of Lance Inc. and Snyder's of Hanover. Snyder’s-Lance reported nearly $1.7 billion in net revenue for 2015. It currently employs more than 1,200 people in North Carolina.
“You can’t beat made in North Carolina products that are tasty snacks,” said Secretary Skvarla. “Among the reasons we lead the Southeast in manufacturing employment are the 62,000 workers who make the consumer food and beverage industry a global player.”
Synder’s-Lance intends to hire 70 workers for a new production line at its South Boulevard manufacturing plant and another 30 at its Ballantyne headquarters. Positions will range from machine operators and warehouse personnel to engineers and management. The company’s expansion will add more than $4.3 million in annual payroll impact to the local economy.
“Snyder’s-Lance has called North Carolina home for more than 100 years and we are proud to expand our operations here and continue to invest in the future growth of our great company,” said Carl Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer. “North Carolina is a great place to do business and we appreciate the support of our city, county and state partners.”
The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant of up to $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant funds. All One NC grants require a local government match.
Since Governor McCrory entered office in January of 2013, North Carolina’s economy has generated more than 300,000 net new jobs.
“Mecklenburg County is the perfect environment for both manufacturing and corporate headquarters operations,” said N.C. Senator Bob Rucho. “I look forward to supporting this important expansion by Snyder’s-Lance.”
“Snyder’s-Lance, and its predecessor company, has been a tremendous corporate citizen in the Charlotte Region for more than a century,” said N.C. Representative Scott Stone. “I commend Snyder’s-Lance for its continued investment in its Charlotte operation and headquarters. Thank you to our state and local economic development partners for their hard work in supporting the growth and success of this North Carolina-based company.”
Numerous state and local allies worked with EDPNC and N.C. Commerce in supporting Snyder’s-Lance’s expansion plans. They include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.