Wow Bao, a rapidly expanding Asian street food company, announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Forest City, North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein confirmed that the initiative will create 88 new jobs in Rutherford County, with Wow Bao investing $6.45 million in the project. The facility will be the company’s first company-operated manufacturing site, designed to enhance production capacity and expand its operational reach. The decision underscores North Carolina’s appeal as a hub for the food industry, supported by its infrastructure and workforce.
Founded in 2003, Wow Bao has grown from a fast-casual restaurant brand to a nationwide presence, known for its bao, potstickers, and soup dumplings. The new facility aims to meet increasing demand for its products by modernizing operations and boosting output. Governor Stein highlighted the move as a significant boost to the state’s vibrant food industry, bringing new opportunities to the region. Positions at the facility will include maintenance engineers, production supervisors, and sanitation associates, with average annual salaries of $49,648, surpassing the Rutherford County average.
The project is supported by a $180,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which assists local governments in attracting economic investments. Companies receive funds only after meeting job creation and capital investment targets. The initiative has garnered support from various partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and local educational institutions. State officials praised the project as a significant win for Forest City, enhancing its status as a leader in food production.
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