Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2005-04-25, Gov. Easley Announces 108 Jobs And $16.5 Million Investment In Zebulon: One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Nomacorc Grow

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Deyna Hardison Date: April 25, 2005 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 108 JOBS AND S16.5 MILLION INVESTMENT IN ZEBULON One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Nomacorc Grow RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Nomacorc LLC, a manufacturer of synthetic wine corks, will expand its Zebulon production plant, creating 108 jobs and investing $16.5 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $1 50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. “The success of Nomacorc shows what can happen when you pair an innovative entrepreneur with a top-ranked business climate,” said Easley. “In North Carolina, we have worked hard to ensure that we have the skilled workforce, solid infrastructure and low tax burden that allow companies such as Nomacorc to locate and expand here. Nomacorc’s decision to expand is a tremendous win for the company, the community and the state.” Nomacorc manufactures synthetic wine corks made from a highly-elastic chemical polymer. Production on the first “Nomacorc” began in 1998. This year, the company will produce more than one billion Nomacorcs for 600 wineries in 35 countries, including France. The expansion will add 108 new highly-skilled manufacturing jobs to the 176 workers already employed at Nomacorc, bringing the total workforce to 284. Average salary for all workers is $625 a week, plus benefits. The company will buy 6.8 additional acres of land adjacent to its current plant and will invest $1 1 million in new machinery and equipment. Marc Noel, CEO of Nomacorc, attributes the company’s success in North Carolina to an excellent business environment. “From the technical community colleges that are helping train and educate a dedicated workforce to the constructive and helpful attitude of the government and the local officials. North Carolina has helped our businesses in many ways,” said Noel. The One North Carolina Fund helps the state recruit and expand quality jobs by providing financial assistance to businesses or industries deemed by the governor to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy. Through the use of this Fund, more than 14,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other contributors that made this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, the Town of Zebulon, Wake County Commissioners, Wake Technical Community College and Progress Energy. For more information about Nomacorc or possible job opportunities, visit www.us.nomacorc.com. ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166