Danone North America Announces Expansion at Jacksonville Manufacturing Facility
Danone North America, a leading food and beverage company, announced it will invest up to $65 million over the next two years at the company’s Jacksonville facility through the addition of a new bottle production line. Additionally, the manufacturer will add 40 new jobs to support the 110 existing employees at the plant.
The investment to expand the company’s bottle production capabilities will increase production of several of Danone’s coffee and creamer brands in the United States, including International Delight, Silk and SToK. It also serves to meet consumer demand in these categories while supporting the company’s sustainability goal by reducing overall water consumption, decreasing carbon emissions and accelerating the company’s goal of packaging circularity.
“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. “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.”
The Jacksonville region offers a world-class infrastructure for logistics and distribution, including two deep-water ports, three major interstates, four railroads and an international airport system, and a thriving workforce of skilled young professionals and veteran military talent. As a result, advanced manufacturers in industries such as medical device, aviation and aerospace, solar and defense, among others, have found success in the Jacksonville region.
Food and beverage manufacturers and processors, in particular, are thriving, as the region is home to companies like Comarco Products, Niagara Bottling, Dandee Foods, Bacardi U.S.A., Anheuser-Busch, Maxwell House and Hearthside Foods.