Pretzels, Inc. takes next step in growth strategy to get its snacks into the hands of consumers across the US
Pretzels has broken ground for a 150,000-square-foot production facility in Lawrence, Kansas, which will increase its production capacity across a range of products and formats. The snack producer makes a variety of traditional, peanut butter filled, flavoured, seasonal and gluten-free pretzels for private label and national brands, and under its own Harvest Road brand, along with extruded better-for-you corn snacks made with real cheese.
A portfolio company of an affiliate of middle-market private investment firm Peak Rock Capital, Pretzels has already made significant inroads into new product development initiatives following the inauguration of the 120,000-square-foot expansion of its Plymouth, Indiana, facility earlier this year.
Its expansion into the KC region – home to 2.5 million people in the heart of the US – will also allow it to better serve markets in western and southern US.
The new facility is expected to be operational in late 2021.
“We are very excited to expand our production footprint and to continue serving our customers with superior capabilities and geographic reach,” said Greg Pearson, CEO of Pretzels, Inc.
“This new facility exemplifies Pretzels’ commitment to support the growth of our diverse and expanding customer base with industry-leading quality and efficiency across a variety of traditional and innovative products.
“We look forward to becoming a member of the community in Lawrence and the broader Kansas City metro area as we expand our operations and employee base.”
Building the state
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said the project will create good-paying jobs and generate a significant investment for Kansas.
“My administration is committed to rebuilding our state’s foundation by encouraging businesses like Pretzels, Inc. to choose Kansas,” she said.
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, added, “The decision for Pretzels, Inc. to locate its production facility in Lawrence reinforces our region’s position as a top location for food and beverage manufacturing.
“More than 600 food and beverage companies call the region home, and our KC SmartPort team will continue to elevate KC’s proximity to agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure and industry-specific talent as strategic advantages.”
