Origin Food Group, a leading manufacturer of ice cream, yogurt, and novelty foods, has announced plans to expand its facility in Iredell County. The company plans to make a $3 million investment for the expansion and renovation of its current facility and the addition of new equipment. The project will generate up to 40 new jobs.
“We are excited by Origin Food Group’s announcement to expand its current facility in our county,” Iredell County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Mallory said. “This expansion and investment demonstrate its commitment to deepen its roots here in Iredell County with local dairy farmers and help grow our economy. The company has established solid relationships with our dairy farms and has strengthened ties with this recent decision to expand.”
Origin Food Group plans to introduce a new novelty food line. The expansion will support that new line while also meeting the production needs for the company’s growing client base.
The company, which is based in South America, expanded its business to North America in 2009, making its home in Iredell County. As a family-owned company who led the movement in South America for healthier and more convenient food solutions, Origin Food Group has a proven commitment to bettering taste and nutrition for its customers.
“We have experienced great success bringing our U.S. operations to Iredell County in 2009,” Origin Food Group President and CEO Halil Ulukaya said. “This success has encouraged investment … and will further foster strong partnerships. We built our company on vast experience and innovative firsts in dairy and functional foods. We find the local economy able to support this tradition.”
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners and the city of Statesville will support the expansion with an economic development incentive grant in the amount of $111,739. The state of North Carolina has also provided support to the project through training grant dollars available through the NC Community College System and administered through Mitchell Community College.
The project improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
