Mount Franklin Foods, a leading North American manufacturer of high-quality candy and nut products, is launching new operations in Sumter County. The project is expected to bring $10 million in new capital investment and lead to the creation of 225 new jobs.
Based in El Paso, Texas, Mount Franklin Foods employs more than 2,800 team members across North America, supplying major retailers, wholesalers and foodservice distributors. With four manufacturing plants and a net operating space of more than one million square feet, Mount Franklin Foods is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States.
To accommodate continued growth, the company is upfitting its new Sumter County operations, which are located in the Live Oak Industrial Park, with state-of-the-art equipment. Expanding beyond its current focus as a multi-line candy business, Mount Franklin Foods plans to add both organic and nutraceutical products that are fortified with multivitamins, probiotics and other ingredients. Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in the first quarter of 2017, and readySC will assist with the recruitment process.
For more information on the company, visit www.mountfranklinfoods.com.
QUOTES
"Everyone at Mount Franklin Foods is excited about our operations in Sumter, South Carolina. This new location will provide us with a strong platform for driving revenues by continuing to serve our customers with compelling product offerings. It is clear that South Carolina is a state that is focused on providing quality jobs for its citizens. Our time spent at readySC, the Central Carolina Technical College and its Advanced Manufacturing Training Center was truly inspiring. We are confident that we will have an abundance of excellent candidates as we build our team. We especially appreciate the cooperation and hospitality provided by the state, county and local government agencies. It is great to work with people who are genuinely interested in creating jobs and stimulating economic growth." -Mount Franklin Foods President and CEO Gary Ricco
"We couldn't be more excited that Mount Franklin Foods has chosen to build its newest manufacturing facility in Sumter County. The 225 new jobs this $10 million investment means for our people will make a real difference in the lives of South Carolinians, and we look forward to watching the newest member of the South Carolina family grow and thrive in Sumter for a very long time." -Gov. Nikki Haley
"Agribusiness remains a powerful force in South Carolina's economy, and the addition of Mount Franklin Foods to Sumter County only makes that sector stronger. I congratulate them on their success and look forward to watching them grow and thrive here." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"Sumter County Council is always pleased to partner with a reputable company that will bring jobs to our residents and strengthen our economic outlook. Every member of this community will benefit from Mount Franklin Foods being here." -Sumter County Council Chair Vivian Fleming-McGhaney
"Mount Franklin Foods' decision to operate here demonstrates our long-standing commitment to establishing a business-friendly environment in Sumter. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that companies can be successful and are fully supported here. This will be a win for our city, our county, Mount Franklin Foods and all of our citizens, whether they actually work at Mount Franklin or not. Growth of our manufacturing sector helps everyone." -Sumter Mayor Joseph M. McElveen
"Upon visiting Sumter, Mount Franklin Foods took notice of the countless assets offered here which will undoubtedly bolster their business. They were most impressed, however, with what we know to be our sustainable competitive advantage for this region - a workforce agenda that works. We are committed to the emergence of a talent development agency to meet, exceed and anticipate the growing needs of this industry. It's a huge complement to our team and speaks volumes about the confidence this company has in our community." -Sumter County Development Board Chair Greg A. Thompson
"TheLink Regional Alliance is excited to have played a role in this effort to positively impact job creation opportunities for the region's citizens. This is another example of our region working together to make a difference." -TheLINK Regional Economic Development Alliance Chair Gordon Eckley
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Mount Franklin Foods is launching new operations in Sumter County.
- $10 million investment to create 225 new jobs.
- Mount Franklin is a leading North American manufacturer of high-quality candy and nut products.
- To accommodate continued growth, the company is upfitting its new Sumter County operations, which are located in the Live Oak Industrial Park, with state-of-the-art equipment.
For more information on the company, visit www.mountfranklinfoods.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. In three of the last five years, IBM-Plant Location International reports ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment, per capita. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.