U.S. soil is about to be flush with far more cookies and baked goods than ever. Lotus Bakeries, noted cookie and producer of specialty baked goods, will be bringing its first U.S.-based plant to this side of the Atlantic. The chosen site for the manufacturing operation will be in Mebane, North Carolina.
“For the first time since our foundation in 1932 Biscoff will be produced outside of Lembeke, Belgium,” CEO Jan Boone said of the company’s announcements, and the plans for its Biscoff brand. “Lotus Bakeries and all its employees are extremely proud with this expansion in the world’s largest consumer market."
The manufacturing facility will be a $50 million investment for the company and is projected to open by December 31, 2020, according to the Triad Business Journal. The announcement was broached by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.
“This company recognizes that North Carolina’s convenient location, excellent business climate and well- trained workforce will support its North American growth strategy,” Governor McCrory stated, calling the facility a strong fit for the state’s food manufacturing industry.
With the new facility, the company will add bakers, packagers, and quality assurance specialists, along with other positions, to its team. Lotus expects to employ at least 60 people, with a total annual payroll of $2.1 million.
Lotus Bakeries decided to follow through with its U.S.-based endeavor after the city of Mebane and Alamance County approved incentives totaling $2.9 million for the project. North Carolina will also provide a performance-based grant of up to $180,000 from the One North Carolina Fund.
How will this expansion influence the U.S. markets? Deli Market News will have the latest as the news unfolds.
