Shandong Head Group Establishes U.S. Manufacturing with New $65 Million Facility in North Carolina

Investment underscores company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing, local community growth, and reliable North American supply

November 7, 2025 — Shandong Head Group, a global leader in plant-based capsule innovation, is announcing a $65 million investment to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Gaston County, North Carolina. The new site will create more than 100 new jobs over the next two years and marks a major milestone in establishing the company’s domestic production capacity while further strengthening the reliability and resilience of its capsules supply for North American nutraceutical customers.

Located in the South Ridge Business Park in Bessemer City, the revitalized facility will become a modern manufacturing and logistics center focused on the company’s Healsee® brand of vegetarian HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) empty hard-shell capsules. These plant-based capsules serve as a clean-label, sustainable alternative for supplement and pharmaceutical applications, offering customers gelling aid–free, high-performance encapsulation solutions.

“Our newest manufacturing facility represents more than just an investment in Healsee® Capsules Inc. — it’s a commitment to the future of Gaston County and North Carolina,” said Michael Chen, Chief Executive Officer of SD Head USA, the North American operations of Shandong Head Group. “With an estimated $65 million capital investment and more than 100 new jobs to be created over the next 24 months, we are proud to support local economic growth and contribute to the resurgence of domestic manufacturing. At a time when many companies face global supply chain uncertainty, this facility will serve as a reliable, U.S.-based solution for our customers nationwide.”

The new U.S. facility is scheduled to begin operations in late 2026. Upon completion, it will expand the company’s capsule production capacity by more than 20 billion capsules per year. The decision to establish its manufacturing presence in North Carolina reflects the company’s global strategy of regionalized production and customer-centric supply chain optimization — ensuring faster lead times, lower logistics costs, and reduced exposure to international trade disruptions.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Johnnie Chen, Chief Operating Officer of SD Head USA. “This facility will allow us to serve our North American partners more effectively while helping them reduce lead times and ensure a more robust and reliable supply chain. We’re proud to demonstrate our long-term business commitment to our customers in the U.S. and Canada, the world’s number one market for plant-based capsules.”

The project has received strong support from Gaston County and the City of Bessemer City, both of which praised the company’s investment and long-term collaboration with local stakeholders.

“Gaston County has been so good at this in recent years: reimagining existing spaces for new companies and uses,” said Chad Brown, Chairman of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners. “Having Healsee locate here and see our vision for Gaston County is tremendously meaningful for me. This is an important facility for Bessemer City and for keeping the city’s local economy growing.”

“Healsee Capsules is a blessing for Bessemer City. This investment means new jobs, new opportunities, and a brighter future for our families,” said Becky S. Smith, Mayor of Bessemer City. “We’ve always said Bessemer City is a place of Heartfelt Living, where neighbors care for one another and businesses find a true home. This project shows that others believe in us too. As a City with a Heart, we’re proud to welcome this growth, and we’re ready to keep building a community where both people and businesses can flourish.”

Shandong Head extends its appreciation to the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), Gaston College, and all other local and state partners who helped make this expansion possible.

This latest announcement follows the company’s ongoing global investment strategy to enhance vertical integration, ensuring quality and reliability from raw material to finished capsule. With the North Carolina site joining its growing international network, Shandong Head continues to cement its leadership as the world’s foremost producer of plant-based capsule solutions and a key driver of sustainable, customer-focused innovation.

About SD Head USA

SD Head USA partners with nutraceutical brands to deliver high-performance, plant-based capsule solutions under the Healsee® Capsules brand. Backed by the global manufacturing expertise and vertical integration of Shandong Head Group, SD Head USA focuses on HPMC (vegetarian) empty hard-shell capsules, quality assurance, and dependable service for North American customers. With investments in U.S. manufacturing and logistics, the company advances its mission of strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting local communities, and enabling customers to innovate with confidence.