Biochemtex, which is a partner in a joint venture with Novozymes, says it will build the biofuels plant and create 65 jobs over three years.
The company could receive $300,000 from the state’s One North Carolina if it meets objectives.
The announcement was made Monday.
Biochemtex, Novozymes and private equity firm TPG are partners in a renewable energy firm called Beta Renewables. Novozymes operates its North American headquarters in Franklinton.
The Sampson County plant will utilize a technology called PROESA, which was developed by Biochemtex and is being commercialized by Beta Renewables.
The plant will produce 20 million gallons per year of biofuel from locally grown energy crops, agricultural residues and woody biomass.
“Biochemtex is excited to bring our PROESA technology platform and our partners to eastern North Carolina,” Guido Ghisolfi, the company’s owner and chief executive, said in a statement. “We’ve already engaged with regional farms and farmers for the supply of energy crops, and we see great opportunity for growth and additional projects where regional infrastructure matches need.”
The average salary at the plant will be about $47,000, plus benefits. The Sampson County average annual wage is $30,822.
Biochemtex qualified for a grant of up to $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, which provides financial assistance to attract business projects to the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job and investment targets to obtain the funds, which are matched by local sources.
The company has some 250 employees. It generated some $270 million in revenues in 2012.
