West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. recently announced that it will expand in Lenoir County, N.C., creating 154 jobs and investing $18.7 million during the next three years. The state will support the project with a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

West Pharmaceutical Services is a manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery and plastic packaging and delivery system components for the healthcare, personal care and consumer products markets. West products include stoppers and seals for vials and components used in syringes, intravenous delivery systems and blood collection and diagnostic systems.

While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $665 plus benefits, which is higher than the Lenoir County average weekly wage of $506 not including benefits.

“Our decision to expand in Kinston recognizes the value of our Kinston work force and the positive economic climate created by Governor Easley and his team in North Carolina,” said West Pharmaceutical Services Chairman and CEO Donald E. Morel, Ph.D. “We thank our current employees for their support and dedication and are confidant that the additions to the Kinston work force over the next three years will be an equally valuable resource for the company."

The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon a local match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 28,000 jobs and $4 billion in investment have been created since 2001.

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