USA – Mexican multinational bakery and snacks company, Grupo Bimbo and its peer Kings Hawaain, are planning new factories in the United States to meet growing consumer demand in the region.
Grupo Bimbo is the most ambitious of the two companies, announcing two new factories: one in the state of Georgia, and the other in Ohio.
In statements signed off by the individual state governors, it was revealed that the projects by the Mexican bakery giant are expected to create more than 600 jobs in total.
According to Georgia state governor Brian Kemp, about US$200 million will be invested by Grupo Bimbo in the new facility, located in the city of Valdosta.
Kemp further noted that the planned facility will be the second plant run by the company in the city, with the addition of 295 jobs.
In Ohio, the new facility will be located in the city of Zanesville, Muskingham County, according to a statement from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
In his statement, DeWine revealed that the project is supported by JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, the Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority, and the Ohio Department of Development.
“The investment being made by Grupo Bimbo in Muskingum County will create 320 new jobs in order to meet the company’s growing consumer demand,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said.
Plans for the new US facilities come a year after Grupo Bimbo acquired popcorn maker Popcornopolis in California. It also bought New York-based cookies makes Emmy’s Organics last year.
Kings Hawaiian US$85m baking plant
Across town in Oakwood, Georgia, US bakery firm King’s Hawaiian is planning to build a new US$85 million plant in an effort to expand its production capacity.
The 150,000 sq ft facility, touted to create more than 160 jobs, will be in addition to its current site in Oakwood, Georgia, which produces the majority of King’s Hawaiian products.
In an interview with Just Food, a spokesperson from the company revealed that the decision to add new capacity was informed by higher consumer demand.
“Keeping up with demand is always a priority at King’s Hawaiian and so is innovation. We are always looking for new irresistibly delicious offerings to introduce to families nationwide, which is why we’re pleased to share that the new facility even has space for future expansion,” the spokesperson said.
The Hawaiian Sweet Rolls manufacturer plans to focus on expanding recent product lines and hinted at the possibility for new product development, saying the facility would allow it to consider “other expansion as we continue to broaden our horizons”.