Hemp Processor to Open $3.4M Facility in North Carolina

Carolina Botanicals, a company formed to process industrial hemp, will create 30 jobs as it establishes operations in Columbus County, North Carolina. The company will invest $3.46 million in its new facility, located in Tabor City.

Carolina Botanicals is a commercial processor of industrial hemp biomass. The raw product will be used to produce distillate and other products, including winterized oil, CBD distillate and eventually CBD tincture. Carolina Botanicals hopes to source its hemp from farmers in North and South Carolina. All products that Carolina Botanicals makes will be tested by third-party testers to confirm quality of hemp and CBD ingredients.

“North Carolina is the third largest state for farming, and hemp has become a popular crop since the state’s pilot program began in 2014,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “We’re hopeful that Carolina Botanicals is one of the many new companies being created to produce hemp products that will realize our state is the perfect fit for their business.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce was instrumental in supporting the company’s decision to expand to the state. Salaries for the new jobs will vary by position but the average annual wage will be $35,496. The average annual wage in Columbus County is $33,817.

A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Carolina Botanicals’ new operation in North Carolina. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs.

Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.