Turkington Industries Coming to East Clayton

In a move that would bring about three dozen new jobs to Clayton, town officials are working with Turkington Industries to move the company's North American operations into a vacant industrial building on US 70 Business in East Clayton.

The multi-national company, which manufactures equipment for the baking industry, has been operating in nearby Goldsboro for nearly three decades, but must move out of their present facilities when their lease expires this fall. About 115 of the company's employees are expected to commute to Clayton, and an additional 35 or so are expected to be added when operations begin.

The new site for the company, a 53,825-sq.-ft. metal building on an 8.5-acre tract at 8182 US 70 Business, will need extensive renovation, expected to cost more than $4.5 million. Town officials are seeking a $420,000 Rural Center Building Restoration and Reuse Loan, which will be paid back by the company, to help pay some of the renovation costs. The loan requires a three percent match, however, which means the town's part would be a total of $12,600.

A resolution approved by the Town Council in connection with the loan request declares that the move "will spur economic activity and job creation."

Turkington Industries is a privately-owned company with headquarters in Lancashire, England. It's primary focus is the design, manufacture and installation of custom-built, automated equipment for the industrial bakery industry worldwide. Their products include mixers, proofers, coolers and ovens, as well as automated product handling and packaging systems.

The company's major North American customers include Pepperidge Farm, Flowers, Sara Lee and Interstate Bakeries.