A Greek snack food manufacturer unveiled its first North American facility.
Officials from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and other local leaders celebrated the opening of SnackCraft’s U.S. headquarters at 4444 52nd St. SE in Kentwood.
SnackCraft will operate as the U.S. brand of Unismack S.A., a company which specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of natural baked snacks.
“We truly appreciate and are thankful for the assistance and cooperation of all who helped SnackCraft build our Michigan facility and start production in record time,” said SnackCraft CEO Joseph Riley. “Our partners at Third Coast Development, Mercantile Bank, the MEDC, The Right Place and the city of Kentwood worked quickly and diligently to help us accomplish all that needed to be done for a successful and on-time start-up.”
SnackCraft’s Kentwood operations are located in a redeveloped facility previously occupied by Kerry Foods. According to SnackCraft, significant renovations and upgrades have been underway, and the company has started to manufacture its first product runs, with plans to add future food process capabilities in the coming months.
The project involved a $41.75 million capital investment and now brings 185 jobs to the area through the support of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“SnackCraft’s opening is an example of the continued strength of our region’s food and beverage cluster,” said Brent Case, vice president of business attraction for The Right Place and project lead. “Kentwood has created a desirable location for global companies like SnackCraft to thrive, and we look forward to welcoming them into the community.”
SnackCraft’s new facility now will operate as a co-packer/contract manufacturer of baked crackers, tortilla chips, pellet snacks such as veggie straws and chips, and various snacks produced from single-screw and twin-screw extrusion machines. The facility also includes an innovation center to assist with research and development.
Unismack said this investment helps with its plans to continue expanding its market presence throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
Categories: Michigan, Business