USA — World’s leading taste and nutrition company, Kerry has cut the ribbon on its newly upgraded integrated taste and nutrition solutions manufacturing facility in the United States.
The facility located in Rome, Georgia was upgraded at a cost of US$137.4 million which according to Kerry is its largest ever capital expenditure investment and one of the largest in the state of Georgia’s history.
The 360,000-square-foot facility will produce Japanese breadcrumb (panko-style), cracker meal and breader blends.
Kerry expects solutions produced at the facility to help customers meet growing consumer demand in the poultry, seafood and alternative protein markets across the United States and Canada.
The facility which employs about 250 people was built with a focus on sustainability, according to Kerry.
Its sustainability credentials include running on 100% renewable electricity, a zero waste to landfill policy and extensive use of energy efficient equipment.
To further cut down on carbon emissions, the facility will only receive materials in bulk and where possible source products locally.
Kerry says the plant’s energy efficient design is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 34% and added bulk storage at the site will reduce freight to the site by 25%.
The company also noted that 50% of all raw materials are sourced within 150 miles of the facility and 95% are sourced within North America, helping reduce carbon emissions through the supply chain.
“We are delighted to officially open this new facility which more than doubles our capacity in Rome and is now one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the country,” said Oliver Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Kerry in North America.
“Investing in world-class facilities, such as this one in Georgia, allows us to ensure that we can continually work and co-create with our customers to respond to this changing demand.”
Earlier, Kerry confirmed that it has acquired Mexico-based enzyme manufacture, Enmex, and that it has also reached agreement to buy German biotechnology company, c-LEcta.
The two “significant” biotechnology acquisitions will expand its expertise, technology portfolio and production proficiency, said the Tralee, Ireland headquartered group.
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