South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Custom Flavors, a flavor developer and manufacturer based in California, will establish an East Coast production facility in Concord, Cabarrus County. The company plans to create 30 jobs and invest $6.5 million in the new location.

Governor Cooper highlighted North Carolina's strong manufacturing reputation: "With a skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure and strong business environment, North Carolina has built a reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse,” he said. “The expansion of Custom Flavors to Cabarrus County further strengthens our position as a hub for cutting-edge food science and advanced manufacturing."

Custom Flavors was founded in 2005 and is family-owned. It specializes in developing liquid and powdered flavor solutions for various products including bakery goods, beverages, confectionery items, dairy products, supplements, and sports nutrition. The company's new facility aims to enhance innovation and production capacity while reducing lead times and freight costs for customers along the East Coast.

Alex Wendling, President of Custom Flavors, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “We’re thrilled to be expanding our operations to North Carolina and becoming part of the wonderful Concord community,” he said. “This location will serve as our Eastern hub for innovation, and will supply growing brands and manufacturers.”

N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders emphasized the state's robust foundation for companies like Custom Flavors: “North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and the fourth largest food and beverage industry in the U.S.” She noted that institutions such as North Carolina State University Food Science Department contribute to this environment.

The new positions at Custom Flavors include roles such as food scientists, production operators, quality control engineers among others. These jobs are expected to offer average annual salaries of $56,400—higher than Cabarrus County's average salary of $49,058—and could generate an annual payroll impact exceeding $1.7 million.

A performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund will support Custom Flavors' move with $34,000 contingent on job creation targets being met. Local governments must match these grants.

Local officials welcomed Custom Flavors warmly. N.C. Senator Paul Newton said: “Congratulations... on your expansion to Cabarrus County.” Similarly, N.C. Representative Diamond Staton-Williams added: “I am excited to welcome Custom Flavors to Concord.”

Key partners involved include several state organizations such as the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina alongside local entities like Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.