NJ company to locate in city

NJ company to locate in city by Bob Shiles Staff writer

RALEIGH — A New Jersey company will locate a distribution facility in Lumberton that is expected to create 45 jobs and invest $1.37 million over the next three years.

Gov. Pat McCrory and state Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker made the announcement on Friday that Due Process Stable Trading Company LLC, of Edison, N.J., will locate in the Fox building near the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. 74. The company focuses on a wholesale product line that includes intricate hand-knotted rugs, hand-tufted rugs, needlepoint pillows, art and antique reproduction furniture. The company also sells sells to high-end specialty rug and furniture stores.

Decker called the decision of Due Process to locate in Robeson County a “big win for the region and state.”

“Our commitment to spurring economic growth continues to bring good-paying, high-skilled jobs for North Carolina families,” she said.

Salaries will vary, but the average annual salary for the new jobs will be $41,941 plus benefits. The average annual salary in Robeson County is $28,360.

Dave Grasse, the company’s president, said Robeson County was picked to house his company’s main distribution warehouse over other sites in both North Carolina and South Carolina. He said he especially likes the Lumberton site’s proximity to Interstate 95 and U.S. 74, and the easy access to shipping ports.

“I’m excited about being here,” he said, adding that he expects to have the facility operating by Nov. 30. “We will be looking for qualified individuals to form a new team to assist in our future growth.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $40,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

Greg Cummings, Robeson County’s industrial recruiter, said that partners in recruiting the project included the city of Lumberton, Robeson Community College, Robeson County government, and the state Department of Commerce.

“We in Lumberton are committed to growing our economy, both in the city and county, by creating new jobs for our residents,” said Wayne Horne, the city manager for Lumberton.