Public officials in Macon County, Georgia, are celebrating the expansion of a food assembly plant, which will bring millions in economic investment and hundreds of jobs to local communities.
FreshRealm Expansion
FreshRealm, a food-as-a-service company that delivers fresh meals to customers around the US, has announced plans to expand its operations in southern Georgia, prompting praise and celebration from state and local officials.
New Assembly Lines in Montezuma
The Ventura-based company announced on Tuesday that it plans to open several new assembly lines to its production facility in Montezuma, Macon County.
Ramping Up Production
Not only will the new assembly lines allow the company to produce more meals and meal kits for customers, but it will require them to hire hundreds of workers in the region.
300 Jobs, $6.3 Million Invested
Currently, the Montezuma plant has 136 workers. The expansion will introduce a further 300 jobs and a $6.3 million investment into Macon County.
Different Positions at Different Levels
The company will be hiring to fill a range of positions, including experienced technical staff and managers, as well as entry-level assemblers.
A Strategic Location
“FreshRealm is building the most optimized fresh food platform in the world, so that everyone, every day, everywhere can enjoy fresh food,” said Snow Le, president of FreshRealm, in Tuesday’s press release. “Montezuma is an excellent location for us to strategically reach the entire U.S., especially the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.”
Dedicated to Business and Communities
“We are proud to be expanding our operations in Georgia, a state with great fiscal strength and a clear dedication to businesses and communities,” he continued.
Praise from Gov. Kemp
The expansion was also lauded by Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp, who praised the company as a natural fit for the state due to its connection to the state’s primary industries.
Welcoming Thriving Companies
“Georgia is proud to offer opportunities for innovative companies like FreshRealm to thrive in our state’s No. 1 industry – agriculture,” Kemp said in a statement of his own.
Thankful for New Opportunities
“Food and fiber production contributed $83.6 billion and 323,300 jobs to our economy this past year,” he continued. “And we’re thankful for the 300 new positions that will join that growing number of opportunities thanks to FreshRealm.”
A Welcome Announcement for Macon
Macon County has also welcomed the decision, providing an economic injection into rural areas that don’t usually see this degree of investment.
“A Big Deal”
“Four hundred jobs is a big deal almost anywhere,” Gerald Beckum, executive director of the Development Authority of Macon County, told the Associated Press. “And it’s a much bigger deal for a rural county like ours.”
Big News for a Small Community
It is especially meaningful in a community like Montezuma, which has a population of just 3,000, according to Mayor Nealie Johnson, who called the news a “very positive development” for the town.
Continuing an Industrial Tradition
Johnny Brooks, Chairman of the Macon County Development Authority, described the announcement as a continuation of the county’s “tradition” as a seat for food manufacturing.
State Incentives Still Undisclosed
So far, it is unclear what economic incentives and benefits have been offered by the state for FreshRealm’s latest economic and industrial investment. There is also no estimated date for the completion of the expansion.
Negotiating Team
The deal was negotiated between the company and the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team, with the assistance of the Development Authority of Macon County.
An Agricultural Force
Macon County currently hosts agricultural companies at a rate that is 152% higher than the national average, with a 22% higher growth rate, according to data from the Macon County Economic Development Authority.
Five Leading Industries
Its economic development is now largely centered around five major industries: aerospace, automotive, advanced manufacturing, food processing, and warehouse & distribution.
“Innovator in Fresh Meals”
FreshRealm has been described as an “innovator in fresh meals” and provides services that include producing fresh, healthy meals that can be delivered at home or purchased in stores.
Solutions and Services
It operates as an ‘“end-to-end platform” offering solutions and services to businesses and companies in every sector of the food industry, including grocery stores and hospitals.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bryan Dominguez.
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