Kerry Group to Invest $125 Million to Create World-class Food Manufacturing Facility in the US
Kerry Group, the leading international taste and nutrition company, has confirmed that it is to invest $125 million in its facility at Rome, Georgia in the US to create a new world-class food manufacturing facility. This is Kerry’s largest ever capital expenditure investment and when complete, the 360,000 sq ft facility will be one of the most modern and efficient facilities of its kind in the world with the highest standards of food safety.
The facility will produce integrated taste and nutrition solutions to help customers meet growing consumer demand in the poultry, seafood and alternative protein markets. As part of Kerry’s sustainability agenda, the new facility will use 100% renewable electricity and will have a number of other sustainable initiatives including zero waste to landfill, bulk receiving and energy efficient equipment.
Kerry Group has worked closely with the Governor of Georgia’s office to deliver this investment which will employ more than 400 people during the construction phase and over 100 full-time positions once the facility is fully operational.
Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by early 2021 which will more than double the production capacity of the existing site within the same footprint. This will significantly increase Kerry’s capacity in its largest market to meet the growing demand for holistic food solutions.
Gerry Behan, CEO of Kerry Taste & Nutrition, North America, comments: “North America is our largest market, and as such it is fitting that it is here that we announce our largest ever capital expenditure investment. This new facility will be one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the world which will support our customers as they produce tasty and nutritious food products which will be consumed all across the US and Canada.
“The consumer-led food revolution and the world’s environmental challenges are driving accelerated change and reshaping the entire food industry. World-class facilities, such as this one in Georgia, combined with our technology portfolio and our fantastic people allows us to co-create with our customers to produce tasty and nutritious food products that meet changing consumer demand.”
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government agency for the advancement of international business by Irish companies. Commenting on the investment, Sean Davis, Regional Director, North America for Enterprise Ireland, says: “Irish investment into the United States is at an all-time high with strong momentum indicating further partnerships between the Irish and American business communities. We’re pleased to see the impact of Kerry Group’s investment here in Georgia and we look forward to further collaboration with the state and the regional community.”
From humble beginnings as an Irish dairy co-operative, Kerry has grown into a large international food industry leader, with offices in 32 countries, 151 manufacturing facilities and an employer to over 26,000 people globally, including over 1,000 food scientists.
