Rempac Foam Corp., manufacturer of flexible foam plastic products, will expand its Lumberton operation, creating 65 new jobs and investing $1.25 million in the area during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $70,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

Rempac uses state-of-the-art equipment to make foam plastic products such as household sponges, foam paint brushes, cushion packaging materials and medical, construction and automotive devices. The company currently employs 61 workers at its Lumberton facility and plans to add 65 more by 2008.

The majority of the new jobs will be production positions and, while individual wages will vary widely, the average wage will be $449 per week plus benefits, which is more than the Robeson County average of $417 a week, not including benefits.

"Rempac first came to North Carolina because of the availability of a skilled workforce and strong community college system," said plant manager Gary Lanier. "The positive business climate, including excellent incentives offered by the state and local governments, and the quality of workers available here in Robeson County have convinced us that an expansion of our operations here is a good business decision."

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in recruiting and expanding quality jobs by providing financial assistance to businesses or industries deemed by the Governor to be vital to a healthy and growing state economy. Through the use of this Fund, more than 17,000 jobs and $2 billion in investment have been created since 2001.