Leclerc Foods to build $50m snack factory

17-Feb-2014 - Last updated on 17-Feb-2014 at 17:04 GMT

Leclerc Foods USA is adding a Phoenix, Arizona, facility to its list of North American snack production facilities.

Snack maker Leclerc Foods USA has snapped up a building in Arizona and plans to invest $50m to expand its operations.

Denis Leclerc, president of Tennessee-based Leclerc Foods USA, said the purchase of the Phoenix, Arizona, facility location will grow its cookies, snack bars, and crackers business.

“This acquisition fits our business vision and corporate development strategy,” Leclerc said. “It will allow us to position ourselves near our US clients as well as hone in on food trends in the US West coast.”

Equipment addition

The company plans to invest approximately $50m in the facility over the course of the next three to five years. Anticipated equipment acquisitions include a production line for manufacturing nutritional bars, and equipping the facility to produce organic, GMO-free edibles.

“Not only are we increasing our production capacity, but we also will achieve substantial savings on transportation costs by being closer to key markets,” Leclerc said.

Further expansion

The Arizona expansion announcement comes one year after the company announced plans to bolster its Kingsport, Tennessee, plant to increase production of its granola bars and baked bars.

Leclerc Foods USA, founded in 1905, operates six facilities. Two facilities are in Quebec City, Quebec; others are located in Hawkesbury, Ontario; Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Kingsport; and now Phoenix.