West Pharmaceutical Services Creating 154 Jobs

Making it the fourth business in Lenoir County to be awarded a One North Carolina Fund grant this year.

October 30, 2007

LENOIR COUNTY NC NEWS -- West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. will expand its Kinston facility in Lenoir County, creating 154 jobs and investing $18.7 million during the next three years. West Pharmaceutical Services accepted a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund grant. Making West Pharmaceutical Services the fourth business in Lenoir County to be awarded a One North Carolina Fund grant this year. The One North Carolina Fund assists counties in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through state and local government matched funds. The fund attracts business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs within North Carolina.

West Pharmaceutical Services is a manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery and plastic packaging and delivery system components for the healthcare, personal care and consumer products markets. West products include stoppers and seals for vials and components used in syringes, intravenous delivery systems and blood collection and diagnostic systems. While wages will vary by job function, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $665 plus benefits, which is higher than the Lenoir County average weekly wage of $506 not including benefits.

West Pharmaceutical Services Chairman and CEO Donald E. Morel, Ph.D. said, "Today's groundbreaking marks an important milestone for West and symbolizes our appreciation for the support of the City of Kinston, Lenoir County and the State of North Carolina. Our decision to expand in Kinston recognizes the value of our Kinston work force and the positive economic climate created by Governor Easley and his team in North Carolina. We thank our current employees for their support and dedication and are confidant that the additions to the Kinston workforce over the next three years will be an equally valuable resource for the company."

Governor Easley said, "West Pharmaceutical's decision to expand in North Carolina is a clear indication of the value of our skilled and talented workforce. This is another example of how our investments in infrastructure, education and workforce development are paying off."

Partners who helped make this business expansion possible include:

• N.C. Department of Commerce
• Lenoir County
• City of Kinston
• Lenoir Committee of 100
• Lenoir Community College.

Visit www.westpharma.com, to find out more about West Pharmaceutical Services and jobs availability.