Kerry Group to Expand Missouri Liquid Smoke Facility

International food company Kerry Group PLC announced plans Wednesday to invest $14.2 million in its Greenville, MO liquid smoke products facility, according to a press release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The expansion will add on 20,650-sq-ft to the Irish company’s facility to house sawdust receiving and storage, production equipment, and office and conference space. Four additional jobs will be added to the facility’s present workforce of 25, the release said.

“We chose to expand the Greenville plant due to the synergies achieved between the raw inputs available to the business, the high-quality, loyal employees, and the value that local vendors provide,” said Chip Costephens, production manager of Kerry’s Greenville facility, in a statement.

Kerry acquired the Missouri facility in 2001, which produces a variety of liquid smoke products for items like hot dogs and lunch meats using locally-source sawdust.

“Kerry expanded to Greenville years ago and has grown ever since, helping us to achieve record employment and more Missourians working than ever before,” Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development Mike Downing said in the release. “The company’s significant investment and decision to deepen its roots in Missouri is a testament to our state’s strong workforce and its business-friendly environment. We are proud to partner with Kerry and see it continue to expand in the Show-Me-State.”

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