A Hoke County plant that makes shampoos and deordorants plans to create 21 jobs, officials announced on Thursay.

Unilever United States Inc. will add the jobs as part of a $29.9 million investment over the next three years at its Raeford plant, according to Gov. Bev Perdue’s office.

Salaries will vary, but the average annual salary for the new jobs will be $32,965, plus benefits. The Hoke County average annual wage is $24,648.

Unilever produces personal care products, including anti-perspirants and deordorants, body and hair care products under the brand names of Axe, Dove, Caress, Degree, TRESemmé, St. Ives and Suave.The Raeford facility is the largest anti-perspirants and deodorants stick plant in the world.

Unilever currently employs more than 320 people in North Carolina.

“My top priority is creating jobs,”Perdue said in a statement. “Our world-class workforce and strong business climate makes North Carolina an ideal place for manufacturers like Unilever to thrive and grow.”

Perdue said the project as made possible in part by a $63,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

Unilever’s Raeford facility will make effective use of this generous grant by providing the necessary training to our new hires as part of our site expansion,” said Georgia Szewczak, Raeford Supply Leader. “The support of the One North Carolina Fund program will help further drive our own competitiveness in the market as well as provide jobs and additional tax revenue to the local region. We are grateful for this support.”

The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

“I’m very pleased to see Unilever expanding its facility in Raeford and creating new jobs,” said state Rep. Garland Pierce of Wagram. “Our business-friendly climate allows companies like Unilever to expand and thrive.”