- Otis Spunkmeyer, Inc. to Expand Lexington County Manufacturing Operations
- Expansion Brings More Than 70 New Jobs, $25 Million Investment
- Release Date:
- Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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Contact:
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Kara Borie
803.737.1998
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Press Release:
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - Otis Spunkmeyer, Inc. announced today that it will expand its current manufacturing operations in Lexington County, South Carolina. An estimated $8 million will be invested in capital improvements and a building expansion of approximately 73,000 square feet to include floor space, shipping docks, and freezer. The company plans to invest $17 million in new plant equipment and machinery to accommodate anticipated increase in product demand. The project is expected to bring between 72 and 97 new jobs to the region. The company also extended its real estate lease commitment an additional 20 years.
“We have enjoyed a good relationship with South Carolina and Lexington County, and with our employees who come from the area. The business climate and the ready source of reliable labor are compelling advantages,” said John Schiavo, CEO of Otis Spunkmeyer. “With this investment and commitment to the region, Otis Spunkmeyer hopes to return something to the community in the form of tangible economic benefits.”
“This expansion is another positive sign that our efforts to improve the state’s economic soil conditions are paying dividends for businesses. With more people working in our state than ever before, we remain committed to continuing those efforts to create even more jobs and opportunity for the people of South Carolina,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
Renowned as the pioneer in the fresh-baked cookie business, Otis Spunkmeyer began in 1977 as a California chain of retail cookie stores. After six years of success, the company shifted its focus to selling its fresh-baked cookie program to other foodservice operations on a wholesale basis. Almost 30 years later, the company continues to offer this popular program, complete with its trademark preportioned gourmet frozen cookie dough, preset ovens, and merchandising tools. Otis Spunkmeyer® ready-to-bake frozen cookie dough is the #1 brand in foodservice.
In 1990, Spunkmeyer entered the retail market by rolling out its signature cookie dough in 1-lb. and 5-lb. packages. That same year, the company added ready-baked muffins to its line of select bakery products. Otis Spunkmeyer® muffins are available in foodservice and retail outlets throughout North America and Europe. Today, Otis Spunkmeyer® muffins are the #1 premium muffin brand in retail.
In addition to the Cayce, South Carolina, operation, Spunkmeyer has manufacturing facilities in San Leandro, California; Austin, Texas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company also operates 56 sales and distribution centers throughout the country in support of its Direct Store Delivery program. Otis Spunkmeyer® products can also be found in all major broadline distributors in the United States.
“Our relationship with Otis Spunkmeyer dates back to 1993 when the Alliance worked closely with the company during the site selection process,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman George Bullwinkel, Jr. “Over the years, it’s been exciting for the Alliance to witness the tremendous growth and success realized by Otis Spunkmeyer. Today’s announcement is certainly a testament to the outstanding business environment that exists here in Central South Carolina.”
“We are pleased that Otis Spunkmeyer continues to invest in our community and people,” said Lexington County Council Chairman, Billy Derrick, commenting on the $25 million expansion of the Otis Spunkmeyer facility. “Creating jobs is one of our top priorities in the county. Lexington County’s strong economic growth is helping to create jobs for the workers of today and for future generations. We have many great things to offer businesses– a business-friendly climate, first-class infrastructure, unmatched work ethic, high ranking quality of life, and exceptional educational system, just to name a few. I am sure these attributes were factors in their decision to expand here. I want to thank everyone at Otis Spunkmeyer for their continued commitment to the county. This company has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to innovation and industry leadership, and we certainly appreciate this new investment in the midlands region and Lexington County.”
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