Research and development firm to create 20 high-paying jobs
HEBRON, Ky. (April 19, 2013) – Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson on Thursday joined company and local officials in Northern Kentucky for a ribbon-cutting for ZoomEssence Inc. The research and development firm is creating 20 full-time jobs and investing more than $3 million.
Gov. Steve Beshear applauded the success for ZoomEssence, which utilizes its DriZoom technology to deliver liquid-quality flavors and ingredients in a powder form.
“ZoomEssence is an example of a high-tech company developing and manufacturing innovative products here in the commonwealth, and we are very proud of that,” Beshear said. “The workforce, logistical advantages and business climate in Kentucky all play vital roles, but quality products and top-notch people make companies such as ZoomEssence stand out.”
“We are thankful to have a partnership with a start-up company that chose to plant roots right here in the commonwealth,” Abramson said. “Today’s ribbon-cutting represents a lot of dedication from numerous individuals. That hard work is paying off, and we’re already seeing some of the results with 20 new jobs and a multi-million dollar investment.”
ZoomEssence developed the DriZoom process technology for converting liquids to powders at ambient temperature. It is a cost-effective process that replaces standard high-temperature spray drying by delivering products with improved efficacy, longer shelf life and improved solubility.
ZoomEssence creates and manufactures powdered flavors and food ingredients, with more than 300 types in various snacks, soups, coffee, tea and other products. The company also manufactures instant coffee, instant tea, Omega-3 powders, vitamins, and other dry products serving a wide variety of customers. Eleven of the 20 new, full-time jobs at ZoomEssence are considered high-tech and technical support jobs, with an average annual salary of approximately $67,000, excluding benefits.
“Our disruptive technology was born and developed right here in Kentucky,” said Bob Corbett, CEO of ZoomEssence. “We appreciate the support received from Gov. Beshear, Lt. Gov. Abramson and the entire Kentucky business community. We look forward to many more years of growth, job creation and involvement in our community.”
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $300,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
KEDFA also approved ZoomEssence for funding up to $175,000 through the Cabinet for Economic Development’s High-Tech Investment Pool. The Pool is used to support technology-based and research-intensive companies and projects in Kentucky.
“The highly skilled, highly paying jobs being created with this new research and development facility only serves to reinforce Boone County and Northern Kentucky as a primary destination for new business, and for expansion of existing companies like ZoomEssence,” said Rep. Addia K. Wuchner, R-Florence. “It is my hope today’s ribbon-cutting can act as a beacon to other businesses that our region is a great place to locate, and offers a talented workforce.”
“ZoomEssence exemplifies the type of success we anticipate for Northern Kentucky companies in the start-up mode,” said Gary Moore, Boone County Judge/Executive and chairman of Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp. (Tri-ED). “This company exhibits technical expertise through their employees, products and overall drive to succeed. We are appreciative that they’ve chosen northern Kentucky to grow their business and grateful that the ezone, a division of Tri-ED is able to support this growth.”
For more information on ZoomEssence, visit www.zoomessence.com.
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