"We are delighted to announce this investment in our North American business, which will allow us to capitalize on consumer demand in key beverage categories including coffee creamers, plant-based creamers, and ready-to-drink coffee, while also supporting our long-term growth agenda," said Shane Grant, Group Deputy CEO, CEO Americas. "This investment will help us keep our products on our customers' shelves and give more American consumers the Danone products they love."
This multi-million-dollar investment will increase production of several of Danone's coffee and creamer brands in the U.S., including International Delight, Silk and SToK. It also serves to meet consumer demand in these categories while supporting the company's sustainability goal by reducing overall water consumption, decreasing carbon emissions and accelerating the company's goal of packaging circularity.
The expansion will also create up to 40 new full-time jobs with competitive wages and benefits. New employees will be eligible for Danone North America's parental bonding leave policy, enabling all manufacturing employees with one year of tenure to take up to 18 weeks of paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child.
Mike Sloboda, Danone North America's Chief Operations Officer commented, "We are thrilled to be investing in the people and economy of Jacksonville, creating 40 new jobs in addition to supporting our approximately 110 existing employees, all with competitive wages and benefits. This investment will allow us to better serve our customers and operate our business in an even more efficient and sustainable way."
"This expansion of Danone North America goes to show that Jacksonville continues to be the place to be," Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said. "I want to thank Danone North America for recognizing the strength and commitment of our community and investing in the Jacksonville campus, our people, and our region. This $65 million will create jobs and help us all work towards sustainable and responsible economic growth."
