- Food manufacturer to invest more than $3 million, create nearly 50 new jobs in Kingsport, Tennessee
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Leclerc Foods Tennessee LLC officials announced today the company will expand manufacturing operations at its U.S. headquarters in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Leclerc Foods will invest $3.4 million and create 48 new jobs in Sullivan County.
In addition to job creation, the food manufacturer will expand by adding machinery to support a new production line in both of its facilities on Airport Parkway.
Founded in 1905, Leclerc Foods is a family-owned company that specializes in cookies, snack bars and crackers and exports to more than 30 countries. Leclerc has nine facilities in Canada and the U.S., and this will be the company’s second expansion in Sullivan County since establishing operations in Kingsport in 2008.
Those interested in applying for a position with Leclerc Foods can visit leclercfoods.com/us/careers for additional information.
Since 2019, TNECD has supported more than 30 economic development projects in the Northeast Tennessee region, resulting in nearly 3,300 job commitments and approximately $941 million in capital investment.
QUOTES
“Tennessee’s strong business climate and skilled workforce make our state the ideal location for companies to thrive. I thank Leclerc for its additional investment of more than $3 million in Tennessee, which will provide greater opportunity for families in Sullivan County and across the region.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee is home to some of the most iconic and respected brands in food manufacturing, and Leclerc Foods Tennessee LLC is no exception. I congratulate the company on its second expansion in Kingsport and look forward to the impact this investment will make in the years to come.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter
“Leclerc Foods USA is proud to call Tennessee our home for the past 15 years. We continue to expand and enjoy partnerships on a state and regional level that are mutually beneficial. At Leclerc, we place our highest priorities on our employees, quality and safety – and this focus enables our ability to expand and invest in food manufacturing. The State of Tennessee’s focus on economic development makes it easier to expand, and we are grateful for the partnership.” – Denis Leclerc, president, Leclerc Foods Tennessee LLC
“Today’s news of Leclerc making yet another investment in Kingsport affirms and strengthens our reputation as a business-friendly city and region. Leclerc has seen steady growth over the years in Northeast Tennessee, and our team at the city, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and TNECD have enjoyed working with their leadership, and we appreciate their continued investment in Kingsport. While announcements of new companies locating to a community seem to garner most of the attention, it is the consistent, steady growth of existing industries that fortify our economy and speak the loudest as to our validity as a preferred business destination.” – Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull
“I am most pleased to see Leclerc make yet another investment in Sullivan County and provide even more jobs for Northeast Tennessee citizens. With two plants operating here, the company’s growth epitomizes the success that can be found with our highly skilled and dedicated workforce and pro-business culture. Many thanks to the Leclerc team, TNECD, NETWORKS and the City of Kingsport for their work on realizing today’s announcement. Leclerc has been an extraordinary corporate citizen for decades, and it is most gratifying to see them invest time and time again where Tennessee begins its business day!” – Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable
“We are thrilled Leclerc Foods is expanding its successful operations in Kingsport. The project will boost the local manufacturing sector, provide job opportunities and support the economy for generations to come.” – Sen. John Lundberg (R-Bristol)
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
TNECD Media Contact
Jennifer McEachern
Director of Communications and Marketing
[email protected]
(615) 336-2689
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