During a recent public hearing, Orange County officials discussed a proposed economic development recruitment incentive aimed at facilitating the expansion of Morinaga America Foods, a candy manufacturer known for its popular Hi Chew products. The meeting, led by Steve Brantley, the director of the county's Economic Development Department, highlighted the company's plans to invest $136 million in a new facility that would create 204 full-time jobs over the next several years.

The proposed expansion involves adding 132,600 square feet to the existing manufacturing site, which is located in the Buckhorn Economic Development District near Mebane. This project is particularly significant as it positions Morinaga to become the second-largest corporate taxpayer in Orange County, following Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Brantley outlined the financial incentives being considered, which include a performance-based agreement totaling $2.9 million from Orange County, alongside $6.8 million from the state and approximately $1.1 million from the City of Mebane. These incentives are contingent upon Morinaga meeting specific job creation and investment targets, ensuring that the county benefits financially from the expansion.

Morinaga's president, Noriyuki Nishikawa, expressed gratitude for the local support and emphasized the company's commitment to the community. He noted that despite the potential for more cost-effective production in Asia, the company chose to expand in Orange County due to the strong local workforce and community backing.

The hearing also featured remarks from Steve Lasota, an attorney representing Morinaga, who highlighted the company's long-standing presence in the area and its active engagement in local initiatives. The expansion is expected to begin construction in October 2024, with production slated to start in January 2027.

Overall, the proposed expansion of Morinaga America Foods represents a significant investment in the local economy, promising job creation and increased tax revenue for Orange County.