Harmony House Foods, a leading provider of dehydrated foods to backpackers, will open a new facility at the Macon County Business Development Center.

Founded in 2005 in Eastern North Carolina, the company markets dehydrated meals primarily to outdoor adventurers with a strong on-line business and as a supplier to major outdoor retailers like REI. In 2007, Backpacker Magazine awarded Harmony House with its โ€œEditorsโ€™ Choiceโ€ award, gaining the company national recognition.

Harmony House will occupy approximately 7,500 square feet of the countyโ€™s Business Development Center and is expected to initially employ between five and seven employees. Operations are scheduled to begin in September. Macon County Commissioners approved the lease agreement Tuesday evening.

โ€œWith their ties to the outdoor recreation industry, we think they are perfect fit for our area,โ€ said County Commissioner Chairman Kevin Corbin.