USA – Kerry Group, one of the leading taste and nutrition company, has announced a US$125 million investment in its US facility located in Rome, Georgia, to create a new world-class food manufacturing facility.
The project marks Kerry’s largest ever capital expenditure investment and when complete, the company says that the 360,000 sq. ft facility will be one of the most modern and efficient facilities of its kind in the world with the highest standards of food safety.
The facility will produce integrated taste and nutrition solutions to help customers meet growing consumer demand in the poultry, seafood and alternative protein markets.
As part of Kerry’s sustainability agenda, the new facility will use 100% renewable electricity and will have a number of other sustainable initiatives including zero waste to landfill, bulk receiving and energy efficient equipment.
Construction is expected to begin immediately and is anticipated to be completed by early 2021, which will more than double the production capacity of the existing site within the same footprint.
The Irish food company said that the expansion will significantly increase the its capacity in its largest market to meet the growing demand for holistic food solutions.
Commenting on the investment, Gerry Behan, CEO of Kerry Taste & Nutrition, North America said: “North America is our largest market, and as such it is fitting that it is here that we announce our largest ever capital expenditure investment.
“This new facility will be one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the world which will support our customers as they produce tasty and nutritious food products which will be consumed all across the US and Canada.
“The consumer-led food revolution and the world’s environmental challenges are driving accelerated change and reshaping the entire food industry.
“World-class facilities, such as this one in Georgia, combined with our technology portfolio and our fantastic people allows us to co-create with our customers to produce tasty and nutritious food products that meet changing consumer demand.”
According to Kerry Group, the investment will employ more than 400 people during the construction phase and over 100 full-time positions once the facility is fully operational.
“Kerry Group has been an excellent employer in Floyd County for some time, providing high-quality jobs to hardworking Georgians in the region,” said Governor of Georgia, Brian P. Kemp.
“As the No. 1 State for Business seven years running, our existing industries are integral to our economic success. I am thrilled that a global industry leader like Kerry Group is doubling down on its investment in Georgia and further strengthening our state’s relationship with Ireland.”
