FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2020
Contact: Natalie Johnson, Director of Marketing
Phone: 910.500.6464
E-mail: natalie@fayedc.com

Dansons Announces New Facility in Cumberland County
BBQ Manufacturer Set to Hire 118 Full Time Staff

FAYETTEVILLE, NC –Dansons, a leading manufacturer of BBQ pellet grills and products, selected Cumberland County as the location of a new distribution and customer service facility. Located at 800 Technology Drive in Fayetteville, this project will result in the creation of 118 full-time jobs and an immediate investment of more than $10 million. Future growth could increase this to more than $27 million.

“Even as the pandemic clouds the global economic horizon, companies like Dansons continue to express confidence in North Carolina as a destination for major investments,” said Secretary Copeland. “Our strategic location, strong infrastructure and world-class talent are among the assets growing companies seek when launching long-range expansion plans.”

Originally launched in Canada in 1999, Dansons is now headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and has earned a reputation for competitive industry-leading wood pellet BBQ products within its multiple brands including Pit Boss Grills, Louisiana Grills, Country Smokers, Surelock Security, A-Maze-N Smokin’ Products, and Thiessens Authentic Pursuit Equipment. Producing more than 75 different grills in its portfolio, as well as accessories such as tools, spices, sauces, and grill pellets, Dansons has consistently experienced a 100 to 300 percent growth annually since its inception. The brands can be found at 13,000 retail locations across the globe including many Lowes, Wal-Mart, Target, Bass Pro Shops and Ace Hardware locations.

“We are excited to bring not only award-winning products but a strong family-based company culture into the Fayetteville community,” says Jordan Thiessen, Chief Operating Officer at Dansons. “We look forward to building a World Class Distribution and Call Center Team in Cumberland County by adding great local talent to the Dansons family.”

To secure this important project, the State of North Carolina awarded a $400,000 “One NC Grant” and Cumberland County approved a $175,000 job creation grant.

“Our pipeline of experienced and available workers makes it easy for dynamic companies to locate and rapidly expand here,” said County Commission Chairman Marshall Faircloth. “We are glad Dansons chose our community. They are an exemplary employer, committed to the wellbeing of their workforce and the community. We hope that their decision will highlight our competitive advantages and encourage more companies to consider us for their next project.”

In addition to the NC Department of Commerce grant, Dansons received a diverse training package from the North Carolina Community College System including a training grant of $91,000. Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) was also involved in the recruiting process and will be managing this program.

The 118 full-time jobs will offer comprehensive benefits packages with salaries that will average $38,600, exceeding the County’s average wage in the private industry sector. Dansons is expecting to begin operations this year and will be accepting applications for Material Handlers, Machine Operators, Management, Office Administrators, and Call Center Staff.

“Dansons is thrilled to become part of the Cumberland County community and looking forward to the experienced workforce to help grow our global brands. We would like to give a special thank you to Robert Van Geons and his team at the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation for their continued guidance and support, making Cumberland County the perfect choice for our southeast distribution and call center operations,” said Scott Wadsworth, Vice President of Distribution and Transportation.

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) worked with Dansons to identify a location, evaluate the building, and connect the company with assistance programs. “We are thankful to all of the partners that played a role in making this project a reality,” said Andrew Pennink, the Chairman of the FCEDC Board of Directors. “Together, we are creating impactful change in our community and demonstrating to the world that Cumberland County is open for business.”

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ABOUT DANSONS: Dansons US, LLC was founded in 1999 by Dan Thiessen and his two sons with the desire to turn the waste of sawmills into a reliable source of energy. Through widespread success in Canada, the U.S. and internationally, the company eventually went on to expand its product line from horse and animal bedding, to pellet fuel and pellet fuel appliances. Today, Dansons is a global consumer goods corporation that is proudly still family-owned and managed.

ABOUT FCEDC: The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. The FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community tax base. Learn more at www.fayedc.com.