Governor Josh Stein announced that Pelsan Tekstil A.S., a Turkish manufacturer specializing in breathable film technologies, will establish its first U.S. production facility in Wayne County, North Carolina. This move is expected to create 216 jobs and involves an $82.6 million investment in Goldsboro.
“North Carolina is pleased to welcome Pelsan as it opens its first facility in the United States,” stated Governor Stein. He highlighted the state’s skilled workforce and strategic East Coast location as factors enabling efficient production and delivery of high-quality products.
Founded in 2006 as part of the Hassan Group, Pelsan was the first company in Turkey to produce breathable polyethylene films. The new facility will manufacture various lines of breathable films for hygiene and medical applications, addressing growing demand across North America.
“This expansion is a major strategic milestone for us,” said Ali Sisman, CEO of Pelsan Tekstil. “Our decision to invest in North Carolina underscores our belief in the region’s strong workforce, robust infrastructure, and its alignment with our values of innovation and collaboration.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted the state’s appeal to international companies: “Our business-friendly reputation and proven competitive advantages continue to attract top-tier companies like Pelsan from around the globe.”
The average salary for these new positions will be $48,789, surpassing Wayne County’s current average wage of $46,211.
The project will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over 12 years, it is estimated to boost North Carolina’s economy by more than $719.5 million. The JDIG agreement allows potential reimbursement up to $2,065,000 over this period if job creation and investment targets are met.
Representative John Bell expressed optimism about the economic impact: “These new manufacturing jobs and the company’s significant capital investment will bring new job opportunities for our people and will boost the local economy.”
Senator Buck Newton echoed this sentiment: “The new jobs and the investment into Goldsboro will bring economic growth and stability to Eastern NC.”
Key partners in this initiative include several state departments, educational institutions like Wayne Community College, local government bodies such as Wayne County Development Alliance, regional organizations like North Carolina’s Southeast, and Duke Energy.
