COLUMBIA — ACE Bakery LLC (“ACE Bakery”), a maker of baked goods for the retail and food service markets, on Thursday announced plans to locate a new facility in Cherokee County. The $18.4 million investment is expected to generate approximately 51 new jobs.
“We are pleased to move forward with our plans to locate a new plant in Cherokee County. South Carolina offered us the right mix of a business-friendly environment and strong workforce that will help us be successful. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Ed Holik, executive vice president, Operations, Weston Foods.
ACE Bakery LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of George Weston Limited, with a principal place of business in the United States in Brownsburg, Ind., will open a new location in Gaffney for the production and distribution of its baked goods. The company will produce its Artisan line of baked breads for both the retail and foodservice sectors.
“It is always a great day in South Carolina when a company decides to put down roots in our state, and it’s especially exciting when a company chooses to locate in one of our state’s rural areas. We celebrate ACE Bakery’s decision to invest $18.4 million and create 51 new jobs in Gaffney,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $292 million in capital investment and more than 1,393 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“Companies want to locate where they can be successful. ACE Bakery’s announcement once again shows South Carolina’s ability to attract job-creating investments. Every one of these jobs will have impact in Cherokee County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are excited to welcome ACE Bakery to Cherokee County. This announcement is further evidence of the confidence companies have in our local workforce and business climate,” said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer.
“Cherokee County is pleased to welcome ACE Bakery to Cherokee County. Our business friendly climate continues to add jobs and strengthen the manufacturing community,” said state Rep. Dennis Moss.
“Attracting a company like ACE Bakery is a big win for the people of Cherokee County. Our workforce and pro-business environment are a perfect fit for Ace Bakery and we look forward to participating in their success for many years to come,” said state Sen. Harvey Peeler.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in the coming months, and hiring details will be communicated at that time.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
For more information about ACE Bakery, please visit www.acebakery.com.
About George Weston Limited
George Weston Limited is one of North America’s largest food processing and distribution groups operating in two segments: baking through Weston Foods, and food and general merchandise distribution through Loblaw Companies Limited.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
Source: S.C. Department of Commerce
