Wipes maker to expand Reidsville plant

An Israeli firm that makes wet wipes plans to expand its plant in Rockingham County, officials announced Wednesday.

Albaad USA Inc. will invest more than $9 million and create 95 jobs in Reidsville, officials said. The company manufactures wet wipes for a variety of uses, including personal, home and automotive care.

“North Carolina was chosen for this project because of a wealth of talented and skilled labor, good shipping lanes to the East and Midwestern parts of the U.S., accessibility to ports to bring in raw materials and a well-established new aero transportation hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport,” Chief Executive Dan Mesika said in a statement.

Albaad already employs about 200 workers at its AFG Wipes plant in Reidsville, and the company recently won a contract to produce a new infant wet wipe product.

The new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $21,820, plus benefits, officials said.

Albaad qualified for a $350,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which provides financial assistance to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create jobs. Companies must meet job creation and investment performance standards to obtain the grant funds.