Governor Josh Stein announced that Eco King Solutions, LLC plans to create 515 jobs in Graham County. The company will invest $80.5 million in Robbinsville for its first North American production facility, producing biodegradable paper tableware.
“North Carolina offers global companies a perfect location for expansion into North America,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We welcome Eco King to western North Carolina, where it will find a welcoming business climate, education and workforce programs tailored to its needs, and the full range of competitive advantages that make North Carolina the top state to do business in the country.”
Eco King Solutions is a U.S. subsidiary of Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-pack Co., Ltd from China. Founded in 2008, the company operates three factories in China employing around 1,200 people and specializes in disposable dishware for supermarkets and food service industries.
“We have been impressed by how welcoming Robbinsville, Graham County and North Carolina have been to our company and this important project,” said Ping Zhang, Chairman of Eco King Solutions. “We worked very hard to find the right location for our business to thrive. We know we found it right here due to the excellent workforce, quality of life and friendly business climate.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley remarked on the success story for manufacturing in western North Carolina: “Whether it’s CNBC naming us the top state for business or investments from CEOs around the world, North Carolina continues to be a global destination for great job creation.”
The average salary for these new jobs will be $46,707 with an annual payroll impact exceeding $14 million. The project is supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the Economic Investment Committee. Over 12 years, it’s estimated to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $743.4 million.
“A major economic development win like today’s announcement provides proof that Robbinsville and Graham County are great places to do business,” said Senator Kevin Corbin.
Representative Karl E. Gillespie added: “The company will be establishing its first manufacturing facility in North America in Graham County… This project is expected to bring new jobs, boost our local economy, and improve the quality of life in our community.”
Partners involved include the North Carolina Department of Commerce and several other regional organizations.
