Health products company to bring 500 jobs to Winston-Salem

The company is moving into a former Dell computer and server manufacturing plant that was shut down two years ago. Perdue made the announcement at the 750,000-square-foot facility.

Herbalife will invest about $130 million in purchasing and retro-fitting the building, which is at 3200 Temple School Road. The Winston-Salem site will be Herbalife's largest manufacturing facility, a spokesman for the governor said.

The company is receiving money from the Job Development Investment Grant and a $1 million One North Carolina Fund award, which is designed to provide financial assistance to business expansion projects.

Under the terms of the Job Development Investment Grant, the company could earn as much as $5.55 million if it meets and sustains job creation targets over the next 11 years.

"We know we have a strong business climate and the skilled workforce that Herbalife needs to grow and flourish in North Carolina," Perdue said in a statement.

Herbalife manufactures nutrition, weight management and skin care products. The Winston-Salem facility will be Herbalife's largest manufacturing facility, the spokesman said.

The California-based company is expected to employ 493 people at the facility. The spokesman said annual payroll at the company will be more than $19.8 billion.

"Herbalife is excited about the opportunities this new facility offers to both our business and the local economy," Chief Financial Officer Rich Goudis said in a statement.

Perdue also announced Wednesday that Gildan Activewear Inc. will open a new ring-spinning facility in Salisbury. The venture will create 170 jobs and invest $50 million over the next two years. Gildan currently operates two other facilities in North Carolina.

Klausner Lumber Two will also open a sawmill in Enfield, Perdue announced Wednesday. The sawmill will bring 350 jobs and invest $110 million in Halifax County.