news-record.com

LEXINGTON — Vitacost.com Inc., an online retailer and direct marketer of health and wellness products, will expand in Davidson County, investing $6.7 million and creating 228 jobs during the next three years.

The project will receive a $450,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, according to a news release.

Vitacost.com, headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., operates a call center and a manufacturing and distribution facility in Lexington.

In addition to selling brand name items such as New Chapter, Atkins, Twinlab and Kashi, the company makes and sells its own products including Nutraceutical Sciences Institute, Cosmeceutical Sciences Institue, Smart Basics and Best of All. The expansion of the facility in the Lexington Business Park will allow Vitacost to increase its manufacturing and distribution capabilities to meet growing demand.

The Lexington plant  employs 168 people. While individual salaries will vary by job function, the overall wage for the 228 new jobs will average more than $30,000 a year plus benefits.

For more information about the company, visit www.vitacost.com. For information about job opportunities, e-mail Greatcareers@vitacost.com or contact the Vitacost.com Human Resources Department at 130 Lexington Parkway, Lexington, N.C. 27295.