Danone North America to add new bottle production line in Jax (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — Danone North America will add a new bottle production line to its existing facility in Jacksonville, creating dozens of jobs, the company said Wednesday.
The company said it plans to invest up to $65 million over the next two years to support its “long-term growth strategy,” according to a release.
In return, it will receive $3.6 million in city incentives, including a $500,000 grant from the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund and $3.1 million in property tax rebates.
The company told the city it would invest $15 million in site and building improvements, $10 million in utility upgrades and $40 million in manufacturing equipment. It is expected to help Danone maintain 110 jobs and add 40 jobs at an average wage of $50,000 per year.
Getting the grant required the city to waive its public investment policy, which requires the creation of 50 jobs. The city’s Office of Economic Development said the waiver is justified because of the retention of jobs, the significant capital investment and the potential for future growth.
“Advanced manufacturing is a key to a winning strategy for Northeast Florida, and we are thrilled that Danone North America will remain and invest in expanding their facility here,” said Aundra Wallace, president of JaxUSA Partnership, the economic development arm of the Jax Chamber. “Our region is known worldwide for its depth of skilled talent, lower operating costs and business friendliness — all of which will bear fruit for both Danone and our community at large.”
This expansion will increase production of several of Danone’s coffee and creamer brands in the U.S., including International Delight, Silk and SToK.
“We are delighted to announce this investment in our North American business, which will allow us to capitalize on consumer demand in key beverage categories including coffee creamers, plant-based creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee, while also supporting our long-term growth agenda,” said Shane Grant, group deputy CEO, CEO Americas, in the release.
The city has been aggressive in recent days with tapping the Northwest Jacksonville Economic Development Fund for manufacturing expansions, including a $200,000 grant from the fund for to USA Big Mountain Paper Inc. and a $50,000 grant for Sports Addix, a sports apparel manufacturer.