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Ice Manufacturer to Invest $14.7 Million in Rutherford County Article Compiled By: Jean Gordon
Abstract Ice Inc, a manufacturer our new facility’s home in part due In addition to the North Carolina of specialty craft ice products is to how business-friendly you have Department of Commerce and coming to Forest City, Gov. Roy been, and we are grateful for the the Economic Development Cooper announced last week. support we’ve received from the Partnership of North Carolina, Joining in the announcement were State as well as Rutherford County other key partners in this project Rutherford County and Forest and Forest City.” include the North Carolina General City officials. The manufacturing “Abstract Ice’s expansion in North Assembly, Commerce’s Division plant will create 26 new jobs and Carolina reinforces our reputation of Workforce Solutions, North invest more than $14.7 million in as a top destination for innovative Carolina Community College establishing a new manufacturing and visionary companies,” said N.C. System, Isothermal Community facility in Forest City. Commerce Secretary Machelle College, Rutherford County and the “...we celebrate Abstract Ice Baker Sanders. “Their presence will Town of Forest City. investing in Rutherford County,” energize our local economy and tap “The Town of Forest City and Governor Cooper said. the Board of Commissioners “Western North Carolina are thrilled to have Abstract is open for business, and Ice coming to our town” said innovative companies Mayor, Steve Holland. like Abstract Ice will “We look forward to continue to invest in our working with them on this state with our highly project. Abstract Ice will skilled workforce, be a great addition to our strong infrastructure county” he added. and great quality of life.” “On behalf of Founded in 2018, the Rutherford County Abstract Ice is a Commission, I am pleased trailblazing large-scale to welcome Abstract Ice manufacturer of craft to our county”, stated ice. Committed to The plant will be located in the former food manufacturing Chairman Bryan King. Their innovative ice designs include their elevating the cocktail plant off NuWay Packing Road, Forest City. “Your investment not Etched Rock collection. You can custom etch experience, Abstract only brings valuable your logo, monogram, or design for your bar, Ice offers a variety of crystal- into our state’s diverse and skilled job opportunities for our citizens event or special day. clear, slow-melting ice products manufacturing workforce in the but also strengthens our local that add tremendous beauty to Rutherford County area.” economy, our community, and our cocktails while lessening dilution. While wages vary by position, future. New possibilities in building The company has engineered annual wages for new positions vibrant communities are endless new proprietary technology to will average $57,038, exceeding with investments like this. We’re automate the traditionally labor- the Rutherford County average of excited to see the positive impact intensive process of hand-carving $45,030. These new jobs could your presence will have.” cocktail ice, becoming an industry potentially create an annual payroll “Successful business recruitment leader for personal safety, food impact of more than $1.48 million is never a solo endeavor; it truly is a safety, environmental impact, and for the region. team effort” stated Chairman Terry efficiency. Primarily serving bars, A performance-based grant Hines. “On behalf of the Rutherford grocery stores and event venues, of $75,000 from the One North County Economic Development Abstract Ice provides artisanal ice Carolina Fund awarded to Abstract board, I would like to extend in a range of shapes and sizes, from Ice will help facilitate the company’s my appreciation to the Town of custom-etched cubes with logos expansion in Rutherford County. or artistic designs, to spheres, to The OneNC Fund provides financial Forest City and Rutherford County tall cubes, to interesting gem-like assistance to local governments to Commissioners, County Manager shapes. This new facility will help help attract economic investment Steve Garrison, and Forest City the California-based company and to create jobs. Companies Town Manager Janet Mason, for expand its production capacity to receive no money upfront and their support of this project. I would meet national demand. must meet job creation and capital also like to thank the Economic “We are excited to be coming to investment targets to qualify Development staff, Birgit Dilgert and North Carolina and look forward to for payment. All OneNC grants Jessica Keever, for their efforts to becoming a part of the Forest City require a matching grant from make this announcement possible. Another favorite is the Infinity Sphere, community,” said Todd Stevenson, local governments and any award Working together, we can build the shape that inspired Abstract Ice. CEO of Abstract Ice. “We were is contingent upon that condition a vibrant economy that supports The spheres float seamlessly between stirred growth and innovation for all,” he attracted to make North Carolina being met. cocktails, shaken drinks, and straight spirit pours. added.
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