White Labs Announces New East Coast Operations, 65 Jobs in Asheville

January 16, 2015

January 9, 2015 – In conjunction with the Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commission, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), White Labs Inc. announced 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.

January 9, 2015 – In conjunction with the Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commission, and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), White Labs Inc. announced 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.”

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