Commissioners approve $185,000 incentive package for Southeastern Container expansion

Buncombe County commissioners voted to approve an economic development package for Southeastern Container that pairs local incentives with a state grant to support a facility expansion announced earlier this year.

County staff described the total incentive package as $185,000, including a $100,000 Building Reuse grant administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and $85,000 in county incentives structured as pay‑for‑performance tied to job creation and capital investment. Josh Hollingsy presented the staff recommendation and Mike Ramos, a company representative, told the board Southeastern Container employs about 145 local workers and expects to add 12 new jobs tied to a roughly $31 million capital investment. Ramos said the company’s hourly workforce has an average tenure of about 13 years and reported an average hourly wage “closer to $73,000” annualized for its hourly base; staff had previously cited wages “just under $69,000.”

Commissioner Wells moved to approve the building reuse grant agreement with the Department of Commerce, the county incentives and the associated contract; the motion was seconded and carried on a 5–1 vote. The chair recorded the outcome as “Motion carries. 5 to one.” The approval authorizes county staff to finalize the agreements and to disburse incentive payments on the schedule tied to verified investment and hiring milestones.