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Gov. Nikki Haley, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Greenville Area Development Corporation today announced that Amy’s Kitchen, the nation’s leading maker of natural and organic convenience foods, will establish a new production facility in Greenville County. The $63 million investment is expected to generate more than 700 new jobs over six years.
“We are pleased to move forward with our plans to locate a new facility in South Carolina, allowing us to expand production capacity and more easily and efficiently reach customers and markets all along the East Coast. Greenville County provided us with an excellent site and an existing structure suiting our needs. The state of South Carolina offered us a positive business environment as well as exceptional market access. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials,” said Andy Berliner, CEO of Amy’s Kitchen.
Amy’s Kitchen will be purchasing the former Sara Lee building in Greenville County and will be upfitting the facility with new machinery and equipment. The company expects to begin local operations by January 1, 2012.
“Today’s announcement is a major economic development win not just for the Upstate, but South Carolina as a whole. Amy’s Kitchen’s commitment to invest $63 million and create 700 new jobs will have an impact for years to come. Our administration continues to work daily on making sure South Carolina has the competitive business climate that attracts investments like this one. We thank Amy’s Kitchen for deciding to invest in the Palmetto State and look forward to a long relationship with them,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
“Amy’s Kitchen is truly a world-class company and this announcement is another indication that South Carolina is doing the right things to attract the kinds of investments that create new job opportunities. It is more important than ever that we continue our efforts to strengthen our state’s business-friendly climate so that we can see more investments like this one. We congratulate Amy’s Kitchen on the decision to invest here and welcome them to the Palmetto State,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
Amy’s Kitchen produces a wide range of natural and organic foods. The company will produce a select line of frozen entrées at its new facility in Greenville.
“This decision by Amy’s Kitchen to bring a new production facility to Greenville County is greatly appreciated. They could have gone other places, but chose this area because of the available facilities, good workforce, and the excellent support provided by our extended economic development team, from local to state level,” noted H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr., chairman of Greenville County Council and a director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “This is another example of how putting your best foot forward pays off in new jobs, new investments, and new opportunities for businesses to be successful here.”
A formal welcome ceremony will be held for Amy’s Kitchen in Greenville in June.
Amy’s Kitchen will begin hiring for the new positions this summer. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact http://www.amys.com/about-us/employment.
About Amy’s
Amy’s is the nation's leading source of natural and organic convenience food. The market for organic foods is among the fastest-growing grocery categories, with sales expanding at more than 10 percent annually. Now celebrating its 23rd year, Amy's is a family-owned and operated business based in Sonoma County, California. Its products are available nationally in natural foods stores, most supermarkets and select warehouse club stores, as well as internationally. Amy’s currently has production facilities in California, Oregon, and Corby, England; as well as its newest, in South Carolina.
Amy's uses certified organic ingredients, including vegetables, grains and fruits grown without pesticides. Fats are used sparingly and selectively; all dairy ingredients are made with pasteurized rBST hormone-free milk and do not contain animal enzymes or animal rennet. No dishes contain meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs or peanuts. Amy's products are non-GMO and do not contain hydrogenated fats or oils. For more information about Amy’s products, the company and more, visit www.amys.com.
About the Greenville Area Development Corporation
The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a non-profit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. Since inception in mid-2001, the GADC has announced in excess of 12,000 new jobs and $2.3 billion in capital investment in the county for projects they have managed. For information, visit them at www.GoGADC.com or call (864) 235-2008.
