USA— Snack food company, Lotus Bakeries is set to invest US$84 million to expand its production facility in Mebane by adding two more production lines and warehouse operations and an additional 171,000 square feet to the 237,000-square-foot facility.
The company also said the expansion is expected to create up to 62 new jobs. The new positions which include operators, technicians, and material handlers have the potential to create an annual payroll impact of more than US$2.9 million for North Carolina.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led a team of partners in supporting Lotus’ new expansion in the region, with a performance-based grant of US$120,000 from the One North Carolina Fund set to help with Lotus’ expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs.
“This announcement is outstanding news for our region,” said N.C. Representative Ricky Hurtado. “Lotus continues to be an excellent corporate partner and this expansion in the heart of North Carolina is a testament to the quality people that live and work here in our great community.”
This marks Lotus’ second expansion in Mebane in less than a year. Last July, the company announced plans to invest approximately US$62 million to add 111,000 square feet and three production lines at the plant.
“We are thrilled to further expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina,” said Margo Joris, general manager of Lotus Bakeries US. “This expansion project will substantially increase our capacity in our plant in Mebane, and we look forward to attracting skilled employees to join our exciting journey.”
Lotus established the Mebane facility — it’s first in the United States — in 2017. The company’s products include cookies, cookie butter, ice cream, and other snacks sold under the Lotus, Lotus Biscoff, Annas, Nākd, and BEAR brands.
Founded in Lembeke, Belgium in 1932, Lotus Bakeries has expanded its operations worldwide and now has production facilities in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Sweden, and the United States, and 21 sales organizations in Europe, America, and Asia.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro-industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
