Infinity Meat Solutions—a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize-owned Retail Business Services—broke ground on a new 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art protein packaging facility. The new facility represents a $100 million dollar investment for the company and is expected to create 700 new jobs.
The new facility will handle beef, ground beef, pork, and prepared meats for meal solutions, such as marinated and stuffed meat.
“At Retail Business Services, we're always seeking innovative solutions that enable the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA to provide fresh, quality products to their customers,” said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services. “With this facility, we're excited to enhance supply chain operations, as well as create hundreds of new jobs in Rhode Island. We appreciate the strong partnership with so many on this facility, especially the State of Rhode Island. We look forward to completing the project and opening our doors in the first half of 2020.”
Elected officials, local business leaders, and representatives from the company gathered at the ceremony, according to a press release. At a groundbreaking event, Retail Business Services announced that Cargill Protein will consult on the construction of the facility and manage the site’s operations and workforce.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Retail Business Services on this facility,” said Tom Windish, Cargill Protein’s Retail Channel President. “This new facility will deliver great-tasting, creative new meal options to grocers across the region. We look forward to being a good employer and civic partner in Rhode Island and the North Kingstown community.”
According to the company’s press release, Infinity Meat Solutions is eligible for an average of approximately $948,000 in Qualified Jobs incentives each year for up to 10 years. The company is also eligible for $1.9 million in Rebuild RI tax credits to support the construction of its new facility and a sales tax rebate on construction materials purchased in Rhode Island.
In all, Infinity Meat Solutions is expected to add nearly $60 million of activity to Rhode Island's economy each year and generate more than $10 million in additional state revenue over the next 10 years.
Will Ahold Delhaize's investment in the supply-side of the chain yield cost-saving efficiencies and give the retailer a competitive edge? We will continue to report.
For more dairy, deli, bakery, and specialty food news, keep reading Deli Market News.
