Foster USA and Forsyth Tech Launch $256,000 Workforce Training Initiative to Support Local Expansion
WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Following a successful expansion into Winston-Salem in 2025, Foster USA is proud to announce the next phase of their commitment to Forsyth County: a comprehensive workforce training and development initiative launched in formal partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College.
This $256,305 program—supported by the NC Edge Customized Training Program—is designed to upskill existing workforce and integrate new talent as Foster continues to lay deep roots in the region. With Forsyth Tech as their primary educational partner, Foster’s employees will have access to world-class instruction, right in their new home town of Winston-Salem.
Investing in Their Greatest Asset: People
At Foster USA, people come first. Company growth is driven by the expertise of the employees under their roof. This initiative focuses on high-level retention and professional development for Foster’s 235 incumbent workers, while providing a robust onboarding pipeline for the 35 to 58 new full-time positions that will be created over the next three years.
“We aren’t just investing in a facility; we are investing in the people of Forsyth County,” said a spokesperson for Foster USA. “Partnering with Forsyth Tech allows us to provide our team with the specialized skills necessary to lead the fresh produce distribution industry while offering high-quality careers with average annual salaries exceeding $63,000”.
A Specialized Curriculum for Growth
Through this partnership, Forsyth Tech will deliver a customized curriculum tailored to Foster’s specific operational needs. Key pillars of the training include:
- Leadership Development: Multi-level “Leadership Toolkits” and change management training for 80 of Foster’s emerging and current leaders.
- Safety & Technical Excellence: Advanced certifications in OSHA 30, CPR/First Aid, and technical OJT (On-the-Job Training).
- Industry-Leading Compliance: Specialized training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Preventative Controls for Food Safety to ensure Foster’s supply chain solutions remain world-class.
To support Foster’s employees’ work-life balance and professional growth, all training sessions are conducted on-the-clock and fully compensated.
Building a Sustainable Future in Winston-Salem
This initiative is the culmination of the vision established during Foster’s initial “Project Kohlrabi” expansion. By leveraging the $6.25 million capital investment Foster made in their new Winston-Salem cold-storage and distribution hub, and combining it with Forsyth Tech’s educational expertise, Foster is building a sustainable economic engine for North Carolina..
Foster would like to thank the North Carolina Community College System and the North Carolina General Assembly for providing the customized training funds that make this partnership possible. Together with Forsyth Tech, Foster is proud to build a place of promise and opportunity in Winston-Salem.
In parallel, Foster is actively engaged in discussions with state and local leaders to expand and house additional workforce training and reskilling programs in North Carolina. These efforts are designed to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline, align training with the evolving needs of employers, and help position North Carolina as a national leader in workforce development and economic competitiveness.