WILSON, N.C. - The global pharmaceutical company Merck announced a significant commitment to Wilson Wednesday morning.

Merck selected Wilson County for a second major expansion this year.

It includes a $57 million investment and 55 new jobs in Wilson.

The county has one of the highest unemployment rates at 5.6% in North Carolina.

Spectrum News talked to a Wilson woman already putting her resume together for a chance to work for Merck.

"With the income the way that it is, that's just a plus for everyone, and we need more companies like that, and also I think a plus would be if they have, um, even if you're already working there like on-job training programs, I think that would be a blessing to everyone in this county," said Terry Curlings, a Wilson resident applying to work for Merck.

Average salaries for Merck's new positions will start near $60,000.

The average county salary is just over $44,000.