Pallet Consultants of North Carolina, a manufacturer and distributor of pallets, will create 50 new jobs in Harnett County, Governor Roy Cooper announced Wednesday. The company will invest $3.1 million to establish a new plant in Dunn.
“With more than 470,000 workers, North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast. We know Pallet Consultants can expand with great confidence in our state’s workforce, economy and quality of life,” said Governor Cooper.
Founded in 1996, Pallet Consultants is a national pallet management and manufacturing company with six locations in the southeastern United States. The Florida-based minority owned company manufactures wooden pallets, provides pallet recycling, pallet management and logistics services across a wide variety of industries. These industries include manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, transportation, retail, automotive and others.
“My team and I are excited for the opportunities made available by further expanding into the great state of North Carolina and are thankful for its support,” said Pallet Consultants CEO Gus Gutierrez. “We’ve been servicing clients in the state for some time now, and with this new added facility we will be able to serve the bustling North Carolina economy with even greater speed and efficiency. PC is excited to create new jobs with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, raising the standard of living for 50 people and their families while growing the Pallet Consultants family.”
“Pallet Consultants’ decision affirms the strength of North Carolina’s manufacturing economy, which is the fifth highest in the nation,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Our business climate and their new East Coast location in Harnett County is a winning formula for a manufacturer and distribution center.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company’s decision.
Although salaries will vary depending on the position, the average wage for all new positions will be $38,080. The current average annual wage in Harnett County is $33,061.
A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Pallet Consultants expansion in Harnett County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“Pallet Consultants will find great success in Harnett County,” said N.C. Senator Jim Burgin. “We welcome them and the new jobs that will be created from their investment in our state.”
“Manufacturing is important to our community,” said N.C. Representative David R. Lewis. “We are proud of the pipeline of talent and the quality of life we’re able to afford growing companies like Pallet Consultants.”
In addition to N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Harnett County Board of Commissioners, Harnett County Economic Development Office and the City of Dunn.
