Drylock Technologies, a Belgium-based manufacturer of hygiene products, announced plans Wednesday to create 113 jobs and invest $26.9 million to build its first U.S. baby care plant in Reidsville.
The factory will move U.S. baby care production from Europe to a 450,000-square-foot manufacturing site that will support faster product development for Drylock’s clients in the United States.
“People often asked me when I would be establishing a baby products plant in the U.S. – and I’m very happy to say that the time is now,” Drylock CEO Bart Van Malderen said in a release. “In 2023, we reached 1.2 billion (euros) in sales, but we’re eager to keep growing. The next step we’re taking towards further growth is to open a baby care products plant in North Carolina.
Drylock has a plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that manufactures incontinence products. Last year, the company began selling a compostable diaper.
The family owned company also operates plants in Italy, Russia, Spain, Brazil and the Czech Republic.
“With a localized manufacturing presence, we can support faster product development for our U.S. customers,” said Van Malderen. “The move is part of our follow our customers strategy: it’s our answer to the increasing demand for baby care products among our valued North American customers.”
Drylock Technologies has produced private label absorbent baby, feminine, and adult care hygiene products for more than a decade, with 3,750 employees globally.
Salaries will vary by position with an average annual wage of $46,040, which exceeds the Rockingham County average of $43,892. The new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $5.2 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help Drylock Technologies establish its new production site. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs.
Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. One NC grants require matching participation from local governments.