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Abstract Ice Inc, a manufacturer of specialty craft ice products is coming to Forest City, Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week. Joining in the announcement were Rutherford County and Forest City officials. The manufacturing plant will create 26 new jobs and invest more than $14.7 million in establishing a new manufacturing facility in Forest City.
"...we celebrate Abstract Ice investing in Rutherford County," Governor Cooper said. "Western North Carolina is open for business, and innovative companies like Abstract Ice will continue to invest in our state with our highly skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and great quality of life."
Founded in 2018, Abstract Ice is a trailblazing large-scale manufacturer of craft ice. Committed to elevating the cocktail experience, Abstract Ice offers a variety of crystal-clear, slow-melting ice products that add tremendous beauty to cocktails while lessening dilution. The company has engineered new proprietary technology to automate the traditionally labor-intensive process of hand-carving cocktail ice, becoming an industry leader for personal safety, food safety, environmental impact, and efficiency. Primarily serving bars, grocery stores and event venues, Abstract Ice provides artisanal ice in a range of shapes and sizes, from custom-etched cubes with logos or artistic designs, to spheres, to tall cubes, to interesting gem-like shapes. This new facility will help the California-based company expand its production capacity to meet national demand.
"We are excited to be coming to North Carolina and look forward to becoming a part of the Forest City community," said Todd Stevenson, CEO of Abstract Ice. "We were attracted to make North Carolina our new facility's home in part due to how business-friendly you have been, and we are grateful for the support we've received from the State as well as Rutherford County and Forest City."
"Abstract Ice's expansion in North Carolina reinforces our reputation as a top destination for innovative and visionary companies," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. "Their presence will energize our local economy and tap into our state's diverse and skilled manufacturing workforce in the Rutherford County area."
While wages vary by position, annual wages for new positions will average $57,038, exceeding the Rutherford County average of $45,030. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $1.48 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $75,000 from the One North Carolina Fund awarded to Abstract Ice will help facilitate the company's expansion in Rutherford County. The OneNC 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 OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce's Division of Workforce Solutions, North Carolina Community College System, Isothermal Community College, Rutherford County and the Town of Forest City.
"The Town of Forest City and the Board of Commissioners are thrilled to have Abstract Ice coming to our town" said Mayor, Steve Holland. "We look forward to working with them on this project. Abstract Ice will be a great addition to our county" he added.
"On behalf of the Rutherford County Commission, I am pleased to welcome Abstract Ice to our county", stated Chairman Bryan King. "Your investment not only brings valuable job opportunities for our citizens but also strengthens our local economy, our community, and our future. New possibilities in building vibrant communities are endless with investments like this. We're excited to see the positive impact your presence will have."
"Successful business recruitment is never a solo endeavor; it truly is a team effort" stated Chairman Terry Hines. "On behalf of the Rutherford County Economic Development board, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Town of Forest City and Rutherford County Commissioners, County Manager Steve Garrison, and Forest City Town Manager Janet Mason, for their support of this project. I would also like to thank the Economic Development staff, Birgit Dilgert and Jessica Keever, for their efforts to make this announcement possible. Working together, we can build a vibrant economy that supports growth and innovation for all," he added.
