California-Based Custom Flavors to Establish New Facility in North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C.
Custom Flavors, a renowned California-based manufacturer specializing in liquid and powdered flavor solutions, is set to expand its operations by setting up a new production facility in Concord, North Carolina. This expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs in Cabarrus County and involves an investment of $6.5 million.
Governor Roy Cooper emphasized North Carolina’s reputation as a leading manufacturing hub, stating, “With a skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure and strong business environment, North Carolina has built a reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse. The expansion of Custom Flavors to Cabarrus County further strengthens our position as a hub for cutting-edge food science and advanced manufacturing.”
Since its inception in 2005, Custom Flavors has been a family-owned entity known for delivering high-quality organic, natural, and artificial flavors across various industries, including bakery, beverage, confectionery, dairy, supplements, and sports nutrition. The new facility in Concord aims to enhance the company’s production and innovation capabilities to better serve its East Coast customers with shorter lead times and reduced shipping costs.
Alex Wendling, the President of Custom Flavors, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, saying, “We’re thrilled to be expanding our operations to North Carolina and becoming part of the wonderful Concord community. This location will serve as our Eastern hub for innovation, and will supply growing brands and manufacturers. North Carolina’s welcoming business environment and dynamic growth made it the ideal choice for this next chapter in our journey.”
North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders highlighted the state’s strong appeal to the food and beverage industry, noting, “North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and the fourth largest food and beverage industry in the U.S. With leading institutions like the North Carolina State University Food Science Department and the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab, we have built a strong foundation for innovative companies in the food and beverage sector, like Custom Flavors, to thrive.”
The job roles at the new facility will range from food scientists to production operators and quality control engineers. The average wage for these positions will be $56,400 annually, significantly surpassing the county’s average of $49,058, potentially generating an annual payroll impact of over $1.7 million for the region.
Assisting in this expansion, a performance-based grant of $34,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support Custom Flavors’ relocation efforts. The OneNC Fund is geared towards aiding local governments in attracting economic investments and job creation. Companies are required to meet specific job creation and capital investment milestones to qualify for this grant, which necessitates a matching contribution from local governments.
Local leaders such as N.C. Senator Paul Newton and N.C. Representative Diamond Staton-Williams welcomed Custom Flavors’ arrival with excitement and optimism about the positive impact on the community. “Congratulations, Custom Flavors, on your expansion to Cabarrus County,” Senator Newton stated. Representative Staton-Williams added, “Cabarrus County offers an excellent environment for businesses to thrive, and we’re excited to support your success and watch you grow alongside our vibrant community.”
This project has received support from several key partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Food Innovation Lab, North Carolina Community College System, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Cabarrus County, Cabarrus Economic Development, and the City of Concord.
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