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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Smithfield, NC

Home Care Smithfield, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Historic Smithfield in Smithfield, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Smithfield, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Smithfield, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”

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“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”

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“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”

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“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”

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“It’s a pleasure working for always best care senior services. The staffs are incredibly, professional, knowledgeable and always resort any questions. I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy agency.”

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“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”

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“I have worked for ABC for about 15 years…that says a lot about how much I’ve enjoyed it! From the amazing staff who care so much for their employees (as well as their clients); to the wonderful folks I’ve had the privilege to work with and care for; to the many life experiences I’ve gained from working at ABC, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

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“Wonderful company! Best services.”

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“always best care has some of the most friendly staff and i enjoy working with them & the clients”

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“I’ve been employed by Always Best Care Senior Services as a caregiver for almost seven years. I’ve been impressed by their professional, ethical and caring work environment, as well as the continuing training and support given to employees. As a caregiver it has been a rewarding experience to lovingly provide for the physical and emotional needs of our clients.”

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“Great Company, they treat thier employees with love and respect. They always check after all employees and always organize employees come together. They are loving and welcoming too.”

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“Great company even better staff”

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“Its a real nice company. Enjoy working here.”

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“This is an amazing company and the staff do an amazing job.”

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“Great company”

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“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”

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“Always Best Care is the most respectful nicest company I’ve work with I love working with them.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Smithfield, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Smithfield, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Smithfield, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Smithfield, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Smithfield, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Smithfield Town Commons Park in Smithfield, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Smithfield, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 815 Gourmet Grill N Commissary or visit St Luke's Historic Church Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Smithfield, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Smithfield, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Smithfield, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Smithfield, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Smithfield, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Smithfield, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Smithfield, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Smithfield, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Landings Of Smithfield
  • Meadowview Assisted Living Center
  • Brookdale Smithfield
  • Riverside Lifelong Health Rehabilitation Smithfield
  • New Horizon Home For Adults
  • Birch Creek Assisted Living of Smithfield
Home Care Smithfield, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Smithfield, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Smithfield, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Smithfield, NC

Latest News in Smithfield, NC

$30 Million Rehabilitation Hospital Planned For Smithfield; 100 Jobs Expected

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A healthcare company plans to invest approximately $30 million to build a new medical rehabilitation hospital in Smithfield, creating an estimated 100 jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000.ClearSky Health, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has announced plans for a 36-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital at the southeast corner of Buffalo Road and M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway.Construction of the 45,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin in April 2027, with the hospital scheduled to open...

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A healthcare company plans to invest approximately $30 million to build a new medical rehabilitation hospital in Smithfield, creating an estimated 100 jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000.

ClearSky Health, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has announced plans for a 36-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital at the southeast corner of Buffalo Road and M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway.

Construction of the 45,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin in April 2027, with the hospital scheduled to open in April 2028.

Andy Rosen, ClearSky Health’s Senior Vice President of Development, confirmed the project details in response to questions from JoCoReport.

The hospital is expected to treat more than 650 patients annually, providing specialized inpatient rehabilitation for individuals recovering from serious injuries and illnesses.

Unlike a traditional acute-care hospital, the facility will focus on helping patients recover and regain independence following medical treatment for conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal injuries, hip fractures, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other complex medical conditions.

100 New Jobs Expected

ClearSky Health anticipates employing approximately 100 people at the Smithfield hospital, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, respiratory therapists, dietitians, case managers and other healthcare professionals.

Rosen said the positions will offer a broad range of salaries, depending on the responsibilities and qualifications required.

“The average salary is approximately $80,000, but there is a wide range for all the types of positions in a hospital,” Rosen said.

The projected employment and salaries represent a substantial addition to the local healthcare workforce.

Why Smithfield Was Selected

The Smithfield facility will be ClearSky Health’s first hospital in North Carolina.

“This will be ClearSky Health’s first North Carolina hospital, though we have others in development,” Rosen said.

He explained that the company focuses on communities where patients need specialized inpatient rehabilitation services but must currently travel to larger cities to receive that level of care.

“It is challenging for individuals who have had a stroke or other serious disabling condition and their relatives to drive into large cities where most of these services are,” Rosen said.

The company believes Johnston County’s growing population creates a need for additional rehabilitation services closer to home.

Rosen said the goal is to serve patients who require intensive rehabilitation following hospitalization, allowing them to continue recovering without traveling outside their community.

Discussions With UNC Health Johnston

ClearSky Health has already met with representatives of UNC Health Johnston regarding the proposed hospital and the need for inpatient rehabilitation services in the county.

“We have met with UNC Health Johnston, who affirmed the need for the service in Johnston County,” Rosen said. “There are no inpatient rehabilitation services in Johnston County.”

The new facility would provide a different level of care from the acute medical and surgical services offered at UNC Health Johnston.

Rather than competing directly with those services, ClearSky Health intends for the rehabilitation hospital to complement existing healthcare providers by treating patients who need continued inpatient rehabilitation after their initial hospitalization.

“We will coordinate with other services such as outpatient and home health for patients who require those services on discharge,” Rosen said.

ClearSky Health CEO Michael Warrington said the company intends to work with healthcare providers and local businesses as the project moves forward.

“We will work closely with the medical and business communities to ensure the hospital complements existing acute care services and strengthens access to specialized rehabilitation in the area,” Warrington said.

“By providing patients with high-quality rehabilitation close to home, we can help them transition from acute care to the next stage of their recovery while remaining near their families and support systems. This proximity can make a meaningful difference as patients work to regain independence and quality of life.”

What The New Hospital Will Offer

The proposed hospital will feature 36 private patient rooms and a rehabilitation gym equipped with specialized equipment for individualized therapy sessions.

Other amenities will include a dining room with a dedicated chef and food service staff, an outdoor therapeutic courtyard and a specially designed space where patients can practice everyday activities in a setting similar to their homes.

These areas are intended to help patients regain the skills needed to return to independent living following a serious illness or injury.

Patients will receive treatment from an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals who will work together to develop rehabilitation plans tailored to each individual’s condition and recovery needs.

“Through specialized staff training and advanced technology and equipment, we will be able to provide patients with the individualized care and support they need to help obtain the best possible outcomes as they progress toward recovery and greater independence,” Warrington said.

ClearSky Health currently operates 15 medical rehabilitation hospitals in Arizona, Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin, with additional hospitals under development.

The Smithfield project is part of the company’s continued expansion into communities where specialized inpatient rehabilitation services are limited or unavailable.

If construction proceeds according to schedule, the new Smithfield rehabilitation hospital will begin accepting patients in spring 2028.

Two Johnston County industries are expanding

Industry and County officials take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking at AdvanceTEC.SMITHFIELD — Two Johnston County manufacturers have announced expansions that will bring nearly $50 million in private investment and create 250 new jobs.AdvanceTEC, a designer and builder of clean rooms, is investing $7.5 million to expand its plant between Clayton and Smithfield, creating 160 new jobs.The expansion follows the company’s acquisition last fall by France-based Pierre Guerin, which designs and manufact...

Industry and County officials take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking at AdvanceTEC.

SMITHFIELD — Two Johnston County manufacturers have announced expansions that will bring nearly $50 million in private investment and create 250 new jobs.

AdvanceTEC, a designer and builder of clean rooms, is investing $7.5 million to expand its plant between Clayton and Smithfield, creating 160 new jobs.

The expansion follows the company’s acquisition last fall by France-based Pierre Guerin, which designs and manufactures stainless steel tanks and automated production lines for the life sciences, cosmetics, and food and beverage industries.

AdvanceTEC currently operates a 98,000-square-foot plant on 12 acres off U.S. 70 Business. The expansion will add just over 32,000 square feet. Working with Goldsboro-based Jackson Builders, the company expects to complete the project next summer.

Since the acquisition, AdvanceTEC has grown its Johnston County workforce from just over 80 employees to 168, according to founder and CEO John Burton.

“We’ve been extremely fortunate since being here, landing several large projects, and we’ve seen significant growth,” Burton said. “We have a backlog like we’ve never seen.”

Separately, OPW, a maker of fuel-handling systems, will invest $42 million to expand its plant near Johnston Regional Airport, adding 90 jobs.

The company, part of Illinois-based Dover Corp., has manufacturing operations in China, Malaysia, Sweden and the United Kingdom, but its Smithfield plant serves as OPW’s headquarters. Since 2006, the company has grown its local workforce from about 50 employees to roughly 500.

“It's a great North Carolina story, and it wouldn't be possible without the support of the community, government officials, and our employees,” said Michael McCann, OPW’s vice president and general manager.

ARCO Design/Build will construct the two-story, 144,000-square-foot expansion, which it expects to complete in the second quarter of 2027.

Greg Kennedy, OPW’s vice president of operations, credited Johnston County’s workforce and its partnership with Johnston Community College for helping the company grow.

“Johnston Community College has done tremendous things for us,” Kennedy said. “We have great training programs we've developed in partnership with JCC that help educate kids in this area.”

Emma Marie Daughtry crowned first Miss Downtown Smithfield, receives Essence of Ava Scholarship

SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WNCN) —Emma Marie Daughtry has been crowned the first-ever titleholder of Miss Downtown Smithfield. The pageant, which honors the legacy of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner, also awarded Daughtry the prestigious Essence of Ava Scholarship, valued at $1,000, to support her educational aspirations.The event, hosted by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and the Ava Gardner Museum, celebrated ambition, character, and the importance of hometown roots. Daughtry, a junior at Princeton High School, captivated ...

SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WNCN) —Emma Marie Daughtry has been crowned the first-ever titleholder of Miss Downtown Smithfield. The pageant, which honors the legacy of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner, also awarded Daughtry the prestigious Essence of Ava Scholarship, valued at $1,000, to support her educational aspirations.

The event, hosted by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and the Ava Gardner Museum, celebrated ambition, character, and the importance of hometown roots. Daughtry, a junior at Princeton High School, captivated the audience with her energetic clogging routine, showcasing a cherished North Carolina tradition.

“Ava Gardner never forgot where she came from, and Emma embodies that exact spirit of small-town pride and drive,” said Helen Caloz, Pageant Director. “We created this program to celebrate leadership and give young women in Johnston County an inspiring jumping-off point for their dreams. We couldn’t ask for a better first official queen to represent Downtown Smithfield and Ava’s legacy.”

Daughtry’s unique connection to Gardner runs deep; she grew up along Brogden Road, the same rural area where Ava spent her formative years. With her scholarship, Daughtry plans to pursue a healthcare career, specifically by attending Wayne Community College’s Dental Hygiene program. Her dedication to servant leadership is evident through her volunteer work at local dental offices since eighth grade.

“I want people to see Jesus through me. I want his light to shine through me, and having this title is a great way to show that,” Daughtry expressed, highlighting her faith and commitment to making a difference.

At Princeton High, she serves as Historian on the Senior Slate of her FFA Chapter and regularly contributes to community initiatives through Bizzell Grove Church. Throughout her reign, Daughtry will champion education and represent Downtown Smithfield at community events.

Central to her platform is her collaboration with the Johnston County and Smithfield Firefighters Associations—a cause close to her heart, as her father serves as the Smithfield Fire Chief.

The Ava Gardner Museum and the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation are excited about the future of the Essence of Ava Pageant and aim to provide ongoing scholarship opportunities and mentorship for high school women in Johnston County.

For more information about upcoming community appearances or to support future scholarship initiatives, visit and follow Emma’s journey on Instagram at @MissDowntownSmithfield26

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