Wright Foods ahead of schedule to open food processing plant in Troy ♥

As published in the Courier-Tribune on December 25, 2011

by Hugh Martin

TROY — Wright Foods, the new industry locating in Troy’s business park, is ahead of schedule in its preparations to start processing on the site.

Wright Foods, a division of Aseptia, will package food products using technology that was developed at N.C. State University. The process allows fresh food to be packaged in a way that will require no refrigeration.

At a meeting on Dec. 19, Troy Town Manager Greg Zephir told the board that the company expected to close on the building in the park Dec. 21.

“This will allow them to up-fit to begin operations and they have also asked to close on the two pieces of property conveyed by the town,” Zephir said.

One of the properties is the 4 acres the town used for an incentive for the company to locate there, the other being an 8-acre tract the town is selling for $60,000.

Zephir also informed the board that the town has received the contract from Golden Leaf to establish a revolving loan fund to assist Wright Foods with equipment purchases to begin manufacturing product and creating jobs.

In another matter, Chris Watkins took his oath of office from Town Clerk Cathy Maness at the beginning of the meeting. Watkins said that it has “been a pleasure for the past 12 years and I haven’t regretted any moment.” He added that he was sure the next four years will also “be a pleasure.”

Watkins was unable to attend the Dec. 5 meeting when Mayor Roy Maness and Commissioner Wallace Jones, who were both re-elected, took the oath of office.

In other business, Commissioners Watkins, Bruce Hamilton, James Hurley and (Wallace)Jones:

* Approved combining meeting dates for January to one meeting due to holidays. The meeting will be Jan. 9 at 5 p.m.

*Heard an update on the town’s challenge to the census figures. Zephir informed the board that 200 residents have already been added and he expects that 250 more will be counted.

* Commended Teresa Thomas and the staff at the Troy-Montgomery Senior Center for the work that they do and the services that they provide.

“It’s a good thing for our community and Teresa does a good job with it,” Jones said.