Greencore to open new US food plant and research centre
The new facilities in Des Moines, King County were planned to serve large corporate clients throughout the western US.
About 350 jobs will be relocated from a smaller facility and 50 new jobs created in 2016.
The Des Moines Creek Business Park, owned by the Port of Seattle, was said to be “ideally situated” with easy motorway access and opportunities for growth.
‘Newest food manufacturing facility’
Project manager for Greencore Richard McGowan said:“We are looking forward to opening our newest food manufacturing facility in Des Moines in early 2016.
“This site will be unique for us because it will also house an Innovation Centre, where we’ll conduct most of the research and development work for the US market.”
Des Moines mayor Dave Kaplan said: “The city of Des Moines welcomes Greencore and its new research and development facility to our community.
“The city has worked hard to create an environment that supports business development while enhancing the quality of life in the community. A recruitment win like Greencore really demonstrates that our hard work and planning is paying off.”
‘Creating new manufacturing jobs’
Greencore‘s US investment
“This site will be unique for us because it will also house an Innovation Centre, where we’ll conduct most of the research and development work for the US market.”
- Richard McGowan, Greencore
Port of Seattle commissioner Tom Albro said: “Greencore was exactly the type of tenant the Port of Seattle had in mind for the Des Moines Creek Business Park — a company committed to creating new manufacturing jobs, more employment opportunities, with a focus on responsible resource management and giving back to the Des Moines community.”
Greencore has agreed a partnership with Panattoni Development Company, the development partner to the Port of Seattle, for the Des Moines Creek Business Park, to build the manufacturing plant and research centre.
The food firm entered the US market in 2008 and has targeted the fresh and frozen food-to-go products sectors. Most of its products are sold through coffee shops, grocery stores and convenience chains under own-label brands.
The business has its US headquarters are in Danvers, Massachusetts and currently operates six manufacturing facilities and delivers to more than 25 states.
Meanwhile, last month the manufacturer revealed plans to invest £12M in its food-to-go plant at Northampton.
For the latest jobs in UK food and drink manufacturing, visit FoodManJobs.
