10-26-07
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today announced that West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. will expand in Lenoir County, creating 154 jobs and investing $18.7 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.
“West Pharmaceutical’s decision to expand in North Carolina is a clear indication of the value of our skilled and talented workforce,” Easley said. “This is another example of how our investments in infrastructure, education and workforce development are paying off.”
West Pharmaceutical Services is a manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery and plastic packaging and delivery system components for the healthcare, personal care and consumer products markets. West products include stoppers and seals for vials and components used in syringes, intravenous delivery systems and blood collection and diagnostic systems. While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $665 plus benefits, which is higher than the Lenoir County average weekly wage of $506 not including benefits.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone for West and symbolizes our appreciation for the support of the City of Kinston, Lenoir County and the State of North Carolina,” said West Pharmaceutical Services Chairman and CEO Donald E. Morel, Ph.D. “Our decision to expand in Kinston recognizes the value of our Kinston work force and the positive economic climate created by Governor Easley and his team in North Carolina. We thank our current employees for their support and dedication and are confidant that the additions to the Kinston workforce over the next three years will be an equally valuable resource for the company.”
“West Pharmaceutical has been a great asset to Lenoir County and I am pleased that the company has decided to expand here,” said state Sen. Charles Albertson (D- Lenoir County). “This General Assembly continues to support the Governor’s One North Carolina Fund exactly because of projects such as this one that will provide well-paying jobs to hard-working North Carolinians.”
“West Pharmaceutical is an important part of our community and cooperation among state and local governments has helped it grow and thrive,” said Rep. R. Van Braxton (D-Lenoir). “I will continue to work in the General Assembly for policies that encourage the kind of growth our communities need.”