Governor Roy Cooper announced that Abstract Ice Inc, a manufacturer of specialty craft ice products, plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Forest City, North Carolina. The California-based company will create 26 jobs and invest over $14.7 million in the project. This move highlights North Carolina’s appeal to innovative companies, with its skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and high quality of life. The announcement underscores the state’s ongoing efforts to attract economic investment and job creation.
Abstract Ice, founded in 2018, is known for its large-scale manufacturing of craft ice tailored to enhance the cocktail experience. The company produces crystal-clear, slow-melting ice in various shapes, utilizing proprietary technology to automate the typically manual process of hand-carving ice. This new facility will expand Abstract Ice’s production capacity to meet growing national demand. The company primarily serves bars, grocery stores, and event venues, offering artisanal ice including custom-etched cubes, spheres, and gem-like shapes.
The average annual wage for the new positions will be $57,038, which is above the Rutherford County average of $45,030. This could result in an annual payroll impact exceeding $1.48 million for the area. To support the expansion, Abstract Ice will receive a $75,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund. This fund aids local governments in attracting economic investment, with companies receiving funds only after fulfilling job creation and investment targets. A matching local government grant is required for the award.
The project has received support from various state and local entities, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and the Town of Forest City. State officials, including N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders and N.C. Senator Timothy D. Moffitt, expressed optimism about the economic and community benefits expected from Abstract Ice’s expansion. The initiative aims to bolster the local economy and leverage the region’s skilled manufacturing workforce.
Read More About This
