Minutes 09-05-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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entirely new product category. The first variations included Weider Energy In, which claimed to provide a sustained, quick energy boost; and Weider Vitamin In, which claimed to provide a full spectrum of vitamins provided by a balanced meal. Targeting a young male market, the Weider line grew steadily into the next decade, and by 2002 represented nearly 20 percent of the company's total sales. The sustained Japanese recession into the 2000s slowed the confectionery market as well. In response, Morinaga, now led by Gota Morinaga, developed a new "Power Brand" strategy for the new century, with a focus on a limited range of key brands. As part of that effort, the company sold off its liquor operation in 2000. The company then began stepping up development of new products, to be launched under its array of"power" brands--including Milk Cocoa, Weider in Jelly, Hotcake Mix, and Amazake. Meanwhile, the company continued to manufacture and market a number of products under license, such as the popular Pez candies and, since 2002, European favorite Werther's Original. The 100-year-old company also had begun to look beyond the Japanese market, which remained its chief source of revenues. At the beginning of the 21 st century, Morinaga established a manufacturing subsidiary in Taiwan, in an attempt to conquer a share of the island's market. Morinaga also targeted Hong Kong for sales. Yet its main interest lay in the huge potential of the Chinese mainland, with its consumer market of more than 1.3 billion people. The company launched construction of a manufacturing facility in Shanghai, which became operational by the end of 2004. Updated: 9/5/2013 Steve Brantley Director, Orange County Economic Development Frank Clifton said the property owner Ben Wilson has been involved since the beginning and has been instrumental in this process. He noted that Ben Wilson is already looking at re-investing the profits from the sale of this property in other properties to further the County's development efforts. Chair Jacobs said the Board is honored and pleased that the Morinaga Company has decided to site their company here. The Board of County Commissioners made a decision to move toward working with corporations to create projects like this, including offering incentives. He recognized the various partners and neighbors, including the partnerships with Mebane and Durham Tech, in this process. He said Frank Clifton's expertise in economic development has been invaluable; and Steve Brantley's knowledge of the Japanese corporate culture was also instrumental in this process. He said that the company wants to come to Orange County because of the area's diversity. Commissioner McKee congratulated all of the partners that worked on this process. He noted that this was a very confidential process. He said much work is still left to be done to make this project a success. He said this should not be viewed as a one-time success, but merely another step. Commissioner Price echoed what the other Commissioners had said. She said this is something new for Orange County, and it expands the diversity of the County. Commissioner Pelissier said she had received comments from the public as to why the Board would offer incentives to a company from Japan. She said this was done because this company will offer good salaries and benefits to residents, and it furthers the County's economic development. She said companies are looking for the type of quality of life that is offered in Orange County. Commissioner Gordon congratulated everyone involved. Commissioner Price asked when the public hearing will be held. Frank Clifton said this will happen once all of the agreements are in final form, which will likely be in late October. Chair Jacobs said he has been asked about the timeframe for the groundbreaking. He asked if there was a date for this. Steve Brantley said this will happen after the public hearings in Orange County and Mebane, which likely means late March of 2014. He said the building will likely take until May or June of 2015, due to the complicated makeup of the facility. He expects the open house to be after July of 2015. Frank Clifton said this company will most likely become a community partner.