A food processing plant from New York will relocate to Whiteville in two months, bringing new jobs and some good food.

Nice Blends will open the plant in March, employing close to 30 people and will eventually expand to 54.

The plant, located in the Southeast Regional Park, will process sweet potatoes into frozen sweet potato fries, salt and pepper packages, and breading for fish or chicken.

The president of the company, Barrie Nadi, said he plans to get potatoes from local farmers. He thinks moving to the small town is a successful move because he can easily access the coast.

"Columbus County is an agricultural community we have grown food for centuries," said Columbus Co. Economic Director Justin Smith. "We're good at it. But when you start bringing in food processing plants it allows us to keep more of the value here."