McDonald's supplier cooking up 84 jobs in Clayton

Northeast Foods Inc. plans to invest $25.4 million during the next two years. The Maryland-based company has been a key supplier to McDonald’s since 1965 and is the chain's largest supplier of buns in the United States, officials said.

"We believe our new bakery will be a win-win for our company, McDonald’s and the people of North Carolina," Bill Paterakis, president of Northeast Foods, said in a statement. "Our vision is to continue being an industry leader in innovation by continually setting the highest standards in quality and service. This expansion will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality products to McDonald’s and its customers in this part of the U.S.”

The commercial bakery in Clayton will serve Golden State Foods distribution centers in Garner and Lexington, S.C. The privately owned company already has five operating facilities in the U.S. and provides storage and distribution for its products.

The average wage of the new jobs will be $41,815, plus benefits, which officials said exceeds the Johnston County annual average wage of $31,408.

Northeast Foods has qualified for a $350,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. Companies receive no money upfront from the fund and must meet job creation and investment targets to obtain the grant funds, which include a local match.