Old North News

Governor Josh Stein has announced that Wow Bao, an Asian street food brand, will establish its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City, North Carolina. The company plans to create 88 jobs and invest $6.45 million in the project. This expansion is expected to strengthen the state's food industry and bring new opportunities to Rutherford County.

Governor Stein remarked, "North Carolina welcomes Wow Bao to our state where businesses find a strong infrastructure and ready workforce. Wow Bao’s decision to expand here strengthens our state's vibrant food industry and brings new opportunities and jobs to Rutherford County."

Wow Bao started in 2003 as a fast-casual restaurant brand, known for its unique Asian-inspired menu. The company has since expanded to offer its products in various venues, including restaurants and grocery stores across the nation. The new facility in Forest City is intended to meet growing demand, increase production, and improve operations.

Matt Fallon, CFO of Wow Bao, expressed excitement about the move, stating, "Wow Bao is thrilled to bring our operations to Forest City. With a world-class workforce and vibrant food and beverage industry, it became clear that Forest City and the State of North Carolina were the perfect home for this exciting phase of Wow Bao’s expansion. We are excited to begin cooking up America’s Number One Bao in Forest City and shipping it out to the rest of the country."

Lee Lilley, N.C. Commerce Secretary, highlighted North Carolina's appeal for manufacturing and food industries, saying, "With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and the fourth largest food and beverage industry in the country, North Carolina is the ideal place for companies like Wow Bao to thrive."

The facility will offer various positions, including maintenance engineers and production supervisors, with average salaries of $49,648, surpassing the Rutherford County average. The region's annual payroll impact from these new jobs could exceed $4.3 million.

Wow Bao Service, Inc. will receive a $180,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to assist with the move. This grant requires local government matching and is contingent on job creation and capital investment targets.

State Senator Timothy D. Moffitt commented on the choice of location, saying, "Congratulations to Wow Bao on choosing Rutherford County for its new manufacturing facility. We look forward to the continued success and impact of their presence in North Carolina."

N.C. Representative Jake Johnson added, "This expansion is a tremendous win for Forest City, bringing more jobs and strengthening our position as a leader in food production."

Several organizations are involved in this project, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, and local educational institutions and government entities.