New jobs brewing as coffee company expands production
With so many companies shuttering American manufacturing facilities in favor of offshore alternatives, it’s nice to see a company that’s investing here at home. One specialty coffee producer, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (GMCR), is making it easier for your morning cup o’ joe to be made here in the USA.
Green Mountain started out in 1981 in a small café in Waitsfield, Vermont. Since then, the company has transformed into a publicly-traded industry leader, with over 100 different high-quality varieties in production. Now the North American coffee roaster – headquartered in Waterbury, VT – is expanding its manufacturing capacity in America.
GMCR recently announced a plan to open a new manufacturing facility in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The company plans to invest $180 million in the facility over the next 5 years, preparing it to carry roasting, grinding, flavoring and packaging operations for their signature brews. According to a press release, GMCR is estimating that “within five years… the new facility will have as many as 800 employees.”
The Virginia Department of Business Assistance has also agreed to provide additional services and funding to support GMCR’s training and recruitment efforts within the community.
Domestic production is no new concept for GMCR. According to their press release:
"GMCR currently operates production and distribution facilities in Castroville, California; Knoxville, Tennessee; Essex, Waterbury and Williston, Vermont; Sumner, Washington… The Company also conducts research and development activities in facilities in Reading, Wakefield and Woburn, Massachusetts; and in Waterbury, Vermont. The Company recently announced a substantial expansion to its facility in Essex, and expects to add a second new production and distribution facility in the U.S. in addition to the new site in Isle of Wight County during its current fiscal [year] 2012."
We here at the Alliance for American Manufacturing can personally attest to the quality of GMCR products – most of our mornings start with GMCR java. Their Nantucket Blends are particularly popular among our staff.
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