US – In a strategic move to meet the ever-growing demand for bottled water, Niagara Bottling, one of the leading bottled water companies in the US, has allocated US$48 million to be used in expanding its existing facility in Temple, Texas.

The investment is expected to bolster the company’s production capacity, enhance distribution capabilities, and create a significant economic impact in the region. the project will include a warehouse build.

“We are excited about what this expansion means for both Temple and Niagara, a strong member of our community’s growing food and beverage industry thanks to its growing operations over the past few years,” said Adrian Cannady, president, and CEO of Temple EDC.

 “Temple is a prime location for food and beverage companies, with national brands and homegrown businesses alike.”

Family-owned and operated since 1963, Niagara focuses on innovative packaging design, vertical integration, and high-tech manufacturing.

Since 2019, Niagara has been flourishing in Temple, Texas. The company, first established at Temple Industrial Park with a $90 million investment, expanded again in Temple in 2020, and with this new investment, it is posed for a greater market share.

Brian Hess, Executive Vice President explained that this facility will allow Niagara to manage the distribution of new beverage products and serve important customers throughout the region.

“We appreciate the support provided to us by the City of Temple and the Temple EDC.  The highly competitive and attractive location, transportation infrastructure, and workforce have helped fuel an important partnership between Niagara and the community. We look forward to continuing to grow and succeed together, “he said.

The California-based bottling company has also proposed to set up operations in the city’s industrial park and purchase up to 310 million gallons of water per year from the city of Elko New Market.

The fate of a new water bottling plant now rests with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which will review the city’s plan for its impact on the aquifer beneath the surface, according to local news sites.

The city had to issue bonds in the past ten years to build a new water treatment plant that would meet the new standards for radium. The cost of that new plant has been passed along to the city’s water customers.

The plan has sparked controversy and led to packed and contentious city council meetings.  One can still find “No Niagara” signs at various spots around the city of 5,000.

“Pulling this much water out could very well create a cone of depression that changes the way the groundwater flows to the river, to the calcareous fens, and to local wells,” Janelle Kuznia, who lives within a half mile of the proposed plant, told KARE.

Mayor Joe Julius said the city’s hydrology consultant is confident there’s enough water in the aquifers to handle the Niagara project, considering the city’s population is expected to grow to 70,000 eventually.

He sees the development of the industrial park as the key to growth in the city, and an opportunity to lower water costs for current residents.

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