A Connecticut biotechnology company plans to open a new manufacturing facility in Leland and create 52 jobs.

CMS Food Solutions announced today that it would invest $4.4 million in the plant in Brunswick County, about 135 miles southeast of Raleigh.

The company is receiving a $32,000 grant from the One North Carolina fund.

CMS makes antimicrobial applications that target pathogens and bacteria to preserve harvested fruits and vegetables as well as other foods. The manufacturing processes use natural ingredients and produce no waste.

CMS is based in Danbury and has a manufacturing facility in Conroe, Texas. The company expects the Leland plant to be operational in 2012.

The average annual wage for the new jobs will be $43,115, plus benefits. The Brunswick County average is $32,500.