Leclerc Foods to Open $49M U.S. Headquarters and Plant

Canadian baked product manufacturer Leclerc Foods is planning to build a new $49 million facility in Kingsport, TN that will house its U.S. headquarters and production, warehousing, and distribution space, the company, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development announced Tuesday.

Leclerc said the decision to expand its U.S. footprint is a result of increased domestic market demand. The facility will contain a new manufacturing line for gluten-free granola bars and create about 105 new jobs.

“Since first establishing a new manufacturing plant in Kingsport eight years ago, Leclerc Foods has expanded considerably,” said Gov. Haslam in a statement. “Now, Leclerc Foods is doubling its Kingsport workforce and adding high quality office jobs that will have an even bigger impact on Sullivan County.”

An existing Leclerc cookie and cracker production plant in Kingsport, established in 2008, will be renovated and upgraded, the company said. Improvements are expected to begin by the end of 2016 with an expected completion date in mid-2017.

“We have chosen to operate a second plant in Kingsport because this acquisition fits our business vision and corporate development strategy. This plant will manufacture certified gluten-free products exclusively. It will allow us to position ourselves near our U.S. clients and meet their specific needs,” said Jean-Sebastian Leclerc, vice president of co-manufacturing and manufacturing infrastructure at Leclerc Foods in the release.

Founded in 1905, Leclerc is a leader in the cookie, snack bar, and cracker industry, employing over 650 workers in six facilities. The company’s products are distributed to over 20 countries.

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