RALEIGH – Nash County’s economy will be getting a boost – in jobs and a new plant – with pet treats manufacturer Crumps’ Naturals choosing to build a production facility there in order to expand its physical footprint into the United States.

Crumps plans to hire 160 people with jobs paying just over $42,000 in wages. It also will invest more than $13 million in the plant which also will serve as a distribution center.

The announcement is the latest in a series of economic development commitments over the past year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 100 new jobs announcements have been made across the state, according to data compiled by WRAL News. Those represent in total some 25,000 jobs.

“We’re thrilled with the opportunity to make North Carolina our home in the USA”, said Margot Crump, CEO of The Crump Group, in a statement. “Knowing that “Made in the USA” resonates with American consumers provided a great deal of incentive to continue our growth trajectory with this expansion. When considering options as to where to locate, it was an easy decision thanks to the state’s proactive approach in attracting new business.”

Under an agreement reached with the state of North Carolina, Crumps will receive some $2.6 million in tax incentives, grants and community college training. Local incentives in Nash County total some $250,000.

The state’s Economic Investment Committee approved the project and state tax incentives at a meeting Wednesday morning.

A new company will be formed to operate the facility, according to the Department of Commerce.

“Rural North Carolina offers manufacturing companies many advantages as a business location,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in the announcement.  “The Crump Group is the latest international company to tap our diverse workforce, strong transportation networks, and strategic, east coast location to gain traction in the U.S. market.”

Crumps launched in Canada in 2006. Its strategic focus is shifting to growth in the U.S., thus the Nash facility, according to the Department of Commerce.

North Carolina’s competition for the plant came from Texas, Commerce noted.