NASHVILLE—Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Maplehurst Bakeries, LLC, a division of Weston Foods, officials announced the company will invest $102.8 million to build and equip a new 173,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Lebanon. The facility will be located at Central Pike and 840 and create up to 147 new jobs in Wilson County.
“We want to welcome Maplehurst Bakeries to Tennessee and thank them for this investment and for creating these new jobs in Lebanon and Wilson County,” Haslam said. “Tennessee’s infrastructure and geographic location offer businesses unique strategic advantages, and when a company chooses to grow here, it speaks volumes about our workforce and our business-friendly environment.”
“Tennessee is in a great position to help Maplehurst Bakeries expand their operations and continue growing their product line,” Boyd said. “We’re ideally situated in the middle of the country to facilitate efficient distribution and we have a dedicated and passionate workforce. I want to thank Maplehurst Bakeries for choosing Tennessee as the home of this new manufacturing facility and creating these valuable new jobs for our communities.”
Founded in 1967, Maplehurst Bakeries produces frozen bakery products, including donuts, pies, cupcakes, cake, rye bread, sweet goods and gluten-free baked goods, for in-store and food service bakeries. With products sold in North American grocery retailers, supermarket chains and food service outlets, the company currently operates facilities in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee and Washington. Maplehurst Bakeries currently has more than 1,100 employees across the United States, including more than 105 full-time employees in Tennessee.
“We are extremely excited to expand in Tennessee and believe Lebanon and Wilson County offer the right mix of geographic advantages and a talented workforce pool to help us continue our company’s growth,” Kevin McDonough, President of Weston Foods’ Biscuit and Frozen Divisions, said. “With this new facility, Maplehurst Bakeries will be able to reach more customers throughout North America and around the world and we look forward to becoming part of the community.”
The new facility, which is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2016, will house warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing operations for its donut production to service customers across North America and around the world.
“On behalf of the citizens of Lebanon, Tennessee, it my privilege to welcome Maplehurst Bakeries to our city,” Lebanon Mayor Philip Craighead said. “Maplehurst Bakeries now joins a growing list of other ‘self-made’ and ‘home-grown’ companies in our food and service industries. I want to express our appreciation to not only Maplehurst Bakeries but to the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Wilson County Commission in their efforts and support in providing the support that made the announcement a reality.”
“TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Maplehurst Bakeries on its plans to locate and create new jobs in Lebanon,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development, John Bradley, said. “We are pleased to partner with the state of Tennessee, the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County, City of Lebanon and Wilson County officials to facilitate Maplehurst Bakeries’ location decision.”
Maplehurst Bakeries enjoys the further support of parent company George Weston Limited. George Weston Limited is a Canadian publicly traded company founded in 1882 and through its operating subsidiaries constitutes one of North America’s largest food processing and distribution groups.
The company plans to work with the local community and Tennessee Career Centers to host job fairs to fill these open positions. Please visit www.maplehurstbakeries.com to stay updated on the hiring process.
Lebanon and Wilson County are represented by Sen. Mae Beavers (R – Mount Juliet), Rep. Mark Pody (R – Lebanon) and Rep. Susan Lynn (R – Mount Juliet).
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 2013 “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
###
