Unilever plans to expand its factory in Raeford that makes a variety of body washes, shampoos and deodorants, adding 65 jobs over the next three years.
The consumer-products conglomerate and Gov. Bev Perdue announced the expansion this afternoon at the Hoke County facility, located about 80 miles southwest of Raleigh.
Unilever will receive a state grant worth up to $195,000 if it meets its latest hiring goals. That grant also requires matching local incentives.
The new jobs will pay average annual salaries of $39,605. The Hoke County average is $25,324.
Unilever also considered expanding its factory in Missouri.
"Unilever's decision to make this investment in our Raeford facility is a vote of confidence in the site and the critical role it's playing across our personal care supply network across North and South America," said spokesman Dean Mastrojohn.
The facility, which opened in 1968, employs 275 people and manufactures products under the brand names Dove, AXE, Suave and Degree. The planned $35 million expansion will add two production lines and increase the speed that the factory can churn out products.
In 2007, then-Gov. Mike Easley announced that Unilever would expand its Raeford facility and add 25 jobs. In 2009, the company announced it would shift some production to Raeford from a California factory it was closing.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or