RALEIGH–Sanctuary Systems, a developer and marketer of fiber technology and nonwoven materials, will create 118 jobs at a new facility in the Town of Fremont, local officials said Thursday. The project brings Wayne County a capital investment of $4.9 million.

Sanctuary Systems, is a North Carolina State University start-up company. It develops specialty fibers and non-woven materials for applications in markets that include consumer products, beauty products, apparel, filtration products, acoustics, and health and medical products. Among its products are high-quality face coverings and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We are very excited to welcome Sanctuary Systems, LLC to Wayne County,” said NC House Majority Leader John Bell. “This project is a big deal for our local economy. It will bring good jobs and critical new investments to our region. I want to thank everyone who helped make it happen.”

“This is great news for Wayne County, and our economic development team has done a great job getting this wrapped up,” NC Senator Jim Perry said. “These jobs are impactful on the economy in rural North Carolina. We appreciate adding Sanctuary Systems as a corporate citizen and for the impact these jobs will have on our economy.”

Sanctuary Systems will add a variety of positions with this expansion, including machine operators, tenders and setters, salespersons, production and administrative support. Salaries for the new positions will average $41,000.

Wayne County’s current overall average wage of $38,401. The company’s new presence will create $4.84 million in annual payroll impact for the community.

“We saw tremendous opportunity for our new operation in Fremont and Wayne County, and are excited to work with these communities,” said Dr. Harry Barnes, owner and president of the company.

In addition to local benefits, the company will receive a grant from the state’s Building Reuse Program. Earlier today, the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority approved Wayne County’s request for $500,000 in funds to support the reuse of a 60,000-sq.-ft. building in Fremont.

“This announcement was the result of a team effort,” said Mark Pope, president of the Wayne County Development Alliance.