White Labs Inc., the California-based fermentation sciences lab, has announced plans to build out an East Coast laboratory in the burgeoning craft beer town of Asheville, North Carolina.
The company plans to acquire a 26,000 sq. ft. property from the city, for its new lab, and will invest $8.1 million over the next five years, according to a statement released by the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC). The project is expected to create 65 new jobs.
“Like San Diego and Boulder, Asheville serves as an innovation center for emerging breweries, and we couldn’t be more excited to join the Asheville brewing community,” White Labs CEO and Founder Chris White said in a press release. “Asheville is the first step of our global expansion plan that is strategically being rolled out in waves over the next few years.”
The project is moving forward in conjunction with the Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commission, and the EDC, according to White Labs. Calls placed to the EDC were not immediately returned.
Additional information can be found in the press release below:
Asheville, N.C. – In conjunction with the Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commission, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), White Labs Inc. announces today its first East Coast laboratory operation in Asheville that will create 65 new jobs and invest $8.1 million over the next five years. Founded in San Diego, Calif. in 1995, White Labs Inc. is a world leader in fermentation sciences for the brewing and winemaking industries.
Mirroring the company’s headquarters, the Asheville facility will provide analytical laboratory services and product related training for industry professionals. It will also be the base for sales and marketing for the eastern U.S. and global markets. Hiring will begin in summer 2015. White Labs’ fresh yeast and related products, which are a vital link in the worldwide supply chain of the brewing industry, will be manufactured on-site for breweries, wineries and distilleries. The company has been recognized for its pioneering scientific studies on improving strains of yeast at a molecular level.
“Like San Diego and Boulder, Asheville serves as an innovation center for emerging breweries, and we couldn’t be more excited to join the Asheville brewing community,” stated CEO and Founder Chris White. “Asheville is the first step of our global expansion plan that is strategically being rolled out in waves over the next few years.”
White Labs plans to acquire a 26,000-square-foot city owned property at 172 S. Charlotte Street. Implementing the long held vision of City leaders to energize the Charlotte Street corridor, the company will renovate and expand the turn-of-the-century structure to accommodate class-A office, laboratory and training facilities. This announcement adds to a string of recent private investments in the Charlotte Street corridor of more than $50 million dollars.
“The City of Asheville is proud to partner with White Labs, which represents the type of advanced biotech and technology companies the City is strategically seeking to help catalyze development in our Innovation Districts,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. “Energizing South Charlotte Street by repurposing under-utilized city property and adding quality private sector jobs in a growing industry makes this a great accomplishment for the City.”
“This exciting announcement today cements our reputation as a leader in the national craft brewing industry,” commented David Gantt, Chairman of the Buncombe County Commission. “More importantly, White Labs offers the kind of science and tech jobs that will employ the next generation of Buncombe County residents.”
“Chemistry is essential to brewing, and good scientific jobs are a crucial component of a sustainable, healthy economy,” stated EDC Chair Taylor Foss. “White Labs will soon be a significant biotech employer in Asheville and will find great talent generated by the fermentation sciences program at Appalachian State, resources at the North Carolina Biotech Center, and A-B Tech’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast.”
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visitwww.ashevillechamber.org.