More than 15 new jobs will be created and production capacity will be increased by 25%. The expansion will facilitate broader distribution of Kettle products on the West Coast and in the Southwest, allowing Kettle’s Beloit, Wisconsin, facility to better serve Midwest and East Coast markets.
“Kettle Chips was founded in Salem, and Diamond Foods is proud to be able to expand its commitment to the community by investing over $8m to create new jobs and better serve our customers and partners,” said Michael J Mendes, chairman, president and CEO. “Diamond Foods has a deep history of investing in our brands, plants and supply chain to meet growing demand for our products, which has been foundational to our success.”
“I’m very pleased at the news that Kettle Foods plans to expand its Salem operations,” said Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski. “Diamond Foods’ commitment to Oregon, along with the assistance rendered by the Oregon Business Development Department, has proved to be a winning combination for all Oregonians.”
Ground breaking is anticipated to take place in the third quarter of 2010 and completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2011. The Salem facility produces approximately half of the nation’s supply of the Kettle Brand product line, which includes potato chips, baked chips, Krinkle Cut chips, organic chips, tortilla chips, nuts and nut butters.
Source: Diamond Foods
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