Home Local News Novipax to add jobs in $5M expansion at Rockingham plant

Novipax to add jobs in $5M expansion at Rockingham plant

ROCKINGHAM — Another Richmond County company is expanding and adding more jobs, state and county officials announced Thursday.

Novipax, which manufactures food trays and absorbents for meat products, announced a $5 million expansion with plans to add around 20 additional jobs by 2021.

“Novipax is proud to announce that we are bringing more jobs to the Richmond County community. We see this project as an opportunity to strengthen our ties to this community and the State of North Carolina,” said Kevin Bolds, facility manager for the Rockingham Novipax plant. “With the support of this outstanding community, our focus is to continue to grow our business organically.”

The company has also received a $200,000 Building Re-Use State Rural Grant from the State of North Carolina to aid in the expansion.

“I want to thank the Governor’s office and Novipax for partnering to support manufacturing and to create jobs in Richmond County,” Rep. Scott Brewer said in a statement. 

Grants are available to support the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by a company operating in the state for at least 12 months, according to Economic Developer Martie Butler. Companies must also meet the weekly wage standard, provide at least 50% benefits to employees and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. 

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Butler said the state requires at least 19 jobs for the grant, but the company plans to add more. 

“We are ecstatic that Novipax is continuing to establish roots in the community by creating new jobs,” said Kenneth Robinette, chairman of the Richmond County Commissioners. “It’s a great feeling when our community can support and foster job growth for companies who call Richmond County home.” 

Originally known as Sealed Air, Novipax is continuing to cultivate a business that has been operating in Rockingham for more than 30 years, Butler said. Novipax has a total of eight facilities with other locations in California, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Mississippi.

“The expansion of Novipax’s facility and promise for new jobs in the community is demonstrating that Richmond County’s manufacturing industry is maintaining steady growth,” said County Commissioner Ben Moss Jr. “We are excited at the current level of economic expansion, and are hopeful that it continues.”

This is the third major economic development announcement this year, following expansions from Impact Plastics and a Vaughan Buckley Construction Manufacturing plant (at the former Ritz-Craft facility in the industrial park.)

In all, the three announcements will bring 185 new jobs to the area and a $20 million investment to the local tax base, according to Butler. Additionally, all 185 jobs created will pay above the Richmond County average wage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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