Pharmaceutical Manufacturer to Create 38 Jobs in Caldwell County
State Grant Helps Company Expand in Lenoir
RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Exela Pharma Sciences, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, will expand its facility in Caldwell County. The company plans to create 38 jobs and invest $8.5 million over the next three years in Lenoir. The project was made possible in part by an $189,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
"North Carolina has a proud and celebrated history in manufacturing," said Gov. Perdue. "North Carolina's biotech industry is thriving because of our highly-skilled workforce and strong business climate."
Exela Pharma Sciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of Exela PharmSci, Inc. Exela develops and manufactures injectable and ophthalmic pharmaceutical products. The company currently employs more than 40 at its Lenoir facility.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wages for the new jobs will be $47,395, plus benefits. The Caldwell County average annual wage is $29,640.
"Exela is pleased to be in a position to pursue its expansion plans and create these high paying jobs in Caldwell County," said Phanesh Koneru, Exela's president and CEO. "Exela is thankful to the officials of the City of Lenoir, Caldwell County, and the State of North Carolina for their continued support of Exela's business."
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.
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue's JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 65,000 jobs and $12 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Caldwell County, City of Lenoir and the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission.
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Quotes from Local Officials Regarding Exela press announcement from Governor's office:
"Exela represents a diversification we have long strived for and we couldn't be more pleased they are now in a position to expand and create new, well paying jobs. Not only is this a wonderful way to usher in 2013, it is a testament to our entire community's ability to support an organization of the caliber of Exela." - William Howard, Chairman of the Caldwell Economic Development Commission.
"This first announcement of 2013 is especially exciting because it marks significant development in pharmaceutical manufacturing and pharmaceutical research and development for the entire western North Carolina region. We are proud to assist and support Exela as a part of diversifying and growing our local economy and wage base." - Deborah Murray, Executive Director of the Caldwell Economic Development Commission:
For more information regarding this announcement, please contact Caldwell EDC Executive Director Deborah Murray, 828-728-0768 or cell 828-729-3654.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Contact: Chris Mackey
Office: (919) 733-5612