Major food company investing over $120M, creating ‘at least 48 new jobs’ in Columbus
A nationally renowned food and beverage company is investing more than $120 million to create “at least 48 new jobs” and expand its manufacturing facility in Columbus, officials announced Monday.
Hostess Brands LLC, a subsidiary of the Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co., made the anouncement in a news release from Choose Columbus, the economic development organization funded by the Columbus Consolidated Government and the Development Authority of Columbus.
“We are pleased to have this opportunity to expand production at our Columbus, Georgia manufacturing facility to continue to meet the needs of our consumers,” Beaux Williamson, facility manager, for J.M. Smucker, said in the news release. “Throughout this process, we have appreciated the partnership and collaboration of local officials and are excited to maintain our commitment to invest in our operations and employees here in Columbus.
“Our team in Columbus looks forward to continuing to deliver our Hostess sweet baked snacks and supporting this great community we are so proud to be a part of.”
Pace Halter, chairman of the Choose Columbus board, mentioned two reasons this announcement is meaningful.
“First, The J.M.Smucker Company is providing their endorsement and willingness to grow right here in Columbus, GA, proving our city is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” he said in the news release. “Second, and sometimes I think we forget, economic development is not just about new industry recruitment, but also retention of all our great existing industries.
“The Choose Columbus team makes this a top priority, and their work with the Smucker team has resulted in exciting growth, retention, and investment opportunity for everyone involved.”
The investment in Columbus includes construction of a new building, renovation of certain areas of the facility, and new equipment at the local Hostess plant, 1969 Victory Drive. Construction to support the expanded capacity has begun and is expected to be completed by early 2027, according to the news release.
