A Canadian food processor is bringing 70 new jobs and a $35 million investment to the Tri-Cities as it moves into a building once occupied by a Belgian playing card manufacturer in Blountville, Tenn.
Economic developers with the NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership announced Thursday Leclerc Foods will open its second U.S. manufacturing facility at the Northeast Tennessee Business Park near Tri-Cities Regional Airport.
Based in Quebec, Canada, Leclerc makes 89 varieties of cookies, granola bars and breakfast cereals that are sold in 20 countries. It operates four Canadian production facilities and another in Montgomery, Pa.
“We are thrilled with Leclerc Food’s swift decision to open their latest manufacturing site in Sullivan County,” NETWORKS CEO Richard Venable said, adding Northeast Tennessee’s work force and employee-training capability helped convince Leclerc to come to the area.
The company has purchased a 88,500-square-foot building in the business park. Belgian playing card manufacturer Cartamundi occupied the building until it moved to Texas at the end of last year.
Leclerc will start making granola bars at its new facility and hopes to also start making cookies in 2009. Company officials plan to employ up to 70 people at the production facility over the next year.
Leclerc has also purchased 7 acres next to the Cartamundi building that it may use for future expansion.
gmclean@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2518
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement