Bakery to produce Nature’s Own, Merita, and Wonder breads and create more than 100 jobs over time
NASHVILLE—Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Flowers Foods officials today announced Flowers Foods will make a significant investment in Knox County by opening the bakery on NW Park Drive in Knoxville. The bakery is scheduled to open in late May with one bread line and over time, is expected to create more than 100 jobs.
“I want to thank Flowers Foods for investing in Tennessee, and I appreciate the new jobs being created in Knox County,” Haslam said. “Expansions like this one serve as the greatest endorsement of Tennessee’s workforce and today’s announcement supports our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“I’m pleased Flowers Foods chose to expand here in Tennessee, furthering our world renowned reputation as a state where the artisan spirit continues to flourish. Whether it’s ice cream, M&M’s, or bakery foods, Tennessee prides itself on producing high quality goods enjoyed around the United States and the world,” Hagerty said. “I appreciate Flowers Foods’ investment and the additional jobs being created for our communities. I look forward to their continued presence and success in Tennessee.”
“We’re excited to be opening Flowers Baking Co. of Knoxville,” said Gene D. Lord, Flowers Foods executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This bakery will be producing Nature’s Own, Merita, and Wonder breads and will help us meet the increasing demand for these breads in a region that encompasses parts of Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Virginia.”
Flowers Baking Co. of Knoxville will initially employ about 60 people. This number will increase in the future as more production shifts are added.
“As we have said since acquiring the Hostess bread assets last summer, our plan is to open bakeries as we need additional production capacity to meet market demand,” Lord added. “The Knoxville bakery is strategically located to help us serve the market in this region with great-tasting, high-quality breads.”
“TVA and the Knoxville Utilities Board congratulate Flowers Foods on its announcement to open a bakery in Knoxville, Tenn.,” TVA senior vice president of Economic Development John Bradley said. “Working together with economic development partners like the state of Tennessee, the Knoxville Chamber, The Development Corporation of Knox County, and many other local officials, enables our team to help companies to recruit and grow hundreds of new jobs in Knoxville.”
About Flowers Foods
Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bakery foods in the United States with 2013 sales of $3.75 billion. Flowers operates bakeries across the country that produce a wide range of bakery products. Among the company’s top brands are Nature’s Own and Tastykake. Learn more at www.flowersfoods.com. Individuals interested in possible employment at the bakery can apply online at www.abm.com. Click on the “Careers” link and then “Careers Search.”
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named “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: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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