USA – Milo’s Tea Company is investing US$60 million in a new manufacturing and distribution center in Tulsa, Oklahoma to expand production capacity and support its continued growth.
The company which makes ready-to-drink tea and lemonade has broken ground on the construction of the 108 thousand square foot facility which cements its position in natural beverages.
The investment will also be used in the installation of advanced manufacturing equipment at the facility.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Milo’s manufactures, distributes, markets and sells fresh-brewed teas and lemonades throughout the US.
“From our initial visit, Tulsa felt like our second home,” said Milo’s Chief Executive Officer Patricia Wallwork.
“Since our founding more than 73 years ago in Alabama, Milo’s proudly remains a family-owned business. We are equally proud to plant new roots in the greater Tulsa region.”
The expansion will see the creation of 110 direct jobs and supports additional 177 indirect jobs in the community, according to the Tulsa Regional Chamber.
The new facility is scheduled to be operational in September 2020.
In 2014, Milo’s nearly tripled its distribution from 13 to 35 states and, today, distributes product in 45 states throughout the United States.
“The fact that Milo’s chose Tulsa after an extensive nationwide search and was drawn to Oklahoma’s workforce and family-centric culture is something that should inspire pride in all Oklahomans,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
“Our state’s location will be optimal for the company, providing impressive transportation savings, as they expand into the western U.S.”
The expansion will feature sustainability practices producing more than six tons of spent tea a day at the plant, which is also zero-waste certified.
“It became critical to construct a second production facility to continue our exponential growth,” Wallwork said.
“Tulsa’s family-centric culture, innovative workforce, and optimal location for the mass distribution of goods is fundamental in the expansion of our geographic footprint.”
