One of Fuquay-Varina’s largest employers plans to expand its Fuquay-Varina distribution operations that will bring 40 new jobs to the community by 2021.
Bob Barker Company, a leader in manufacturing detention supply equipment is proposing a $4.15 million facility expansion of their Fuquay-Varina distribution center that also includes the purchase of new equipment. This expansion will result in the creation of 40 new full-time warehousing and distribution jobs over the next five years. The project will be complete by mid-summer 2017 and will add approximately 45,000 square feet to the company’s existing 210,000 square foot distribution center located on Purfoy Road. The company plans to invest in workforce development training for the new 40 employees bringing the company’s total investment to more than $4.7 million.
“I am excited and appreciate the commitment that the Bob Barker Company, the nation’s leading detention supply manufacturer, is making with the expansion of its operations in Fuquay-Varina,” stated Mayor John W. Byrne. “The Town of Fuquay-Varina looks forward to continuing to support our existing manufacturers so they may achieve their long-term strategic goals.”
"Bob Barker Company is investing in Fuquay-Varina because we believe this community has so much to offer in the way of quality of life, talent and community pride," said Bob Barker, Chairman and CEO of the Bob Barker Company. "We have a great history in this community and appreciate the support and partnership of the Town and look forward to working with them on our future endeavors."
The Bob Barker Company, founded in 1972 by Robert “Bob” Barker, Sr., is the nation’s leading detention supplier delivering innovative supplies and services to correctional agencies and select businesses. The company’s corporate headquarters and distribution center is located in Fuquay-Varina with a distribution center in Ogden, Utah. The company employs 225 employees between its Fuquay-Varina headquarters and distribution center.
“This significant expansion by Bob Barker Company demonstrates the importance of Fuquay-Varina’s support of our existing businesses,” said Town Manager Adam Mitchell. “Strengthening the Town’s public-private partnerships is part of the Town’s overall economic development agenda.”
The expansion will be supported, in part, by incentive funding approved by the Town Board of Commissioners during Tuesday’s board meeting. Under the terms of the company’s incentive agreement, Bob Barker Company is eligible to receive up to $207,500 of economic development funding assistance. Town funds will be paid to the company after all of the project’s capital expenditures have been completed.
In December 2014, the Town Board adopted its first economic development strategy and in November 2015, adopted its first incentive policy that focuses on recruiting new and supporting existing manufacturing companies that expand the Town’s tax base and create new employment opportunities. Bob Barker Company is part of Fuquay-Varina’s BIG 4 Initiative, a public-private partnership of local manufacturers that collaborate with the Town’s Economic Development Department to capitalize on the latest trends in manufacturing. Additional members of the BIG 4 Initiative include John Deere Turf Care, Southbend and TE Connectivity.
“When one of your largest existing manufacturers expands its footprint, invests millions of dollars and hires 40 new full-time employees, it demonstrates a strong local marketplace,” said Jim Seymour, the Town’s Economic Development Director. “This expansion project provides further evidence that Fuquay-Varina is a strategic location for leaders of industry when considering a home for long-term success.”
In addition to its manufacturing operations, Bob Barker Company has established the Bob Barker Company Foundation, a nonprofit that supports incarcerated individuals to prepare them to re-enter society. The foundation works directly with nonprofits and governmental entities providing support and capacity building for proven cost-effective delivery of services that reduce recidivism. Bob Barker Company was recently awarded as one of the Triangle Business Journal's 2016 Best Places to Work.
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For More Information:
Jim Seymour | Economic Development Director
Town of Fuquay-Varina
401 Old Honeycutt Road
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
jseymour@fuquay-varina.org
919-753-1031
www.fuquay-varina.org
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