Danone North America says it will invest up to $65 million over two years to expand its plant in northwest Jacksonville, a move that will add 40 employees to its 110-person workforce.
Group Deputy CEO Shane Grant said the investment will allow the food and beverage company to capitalize on consumer demand for its coffee creamers and ready-to-drink coffees.
Danone's brands include Silk, So Delicious, International Delight and SToK as well as Activa, Dannon, Dannon Light + Fit, Two Good and others. The company is based in Broomfield, Colorado, and White Plaints, New York, and operates a plant at 2198 W. Beaver St. in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville investment will add a new bottle production line and support the company’s goal of reducing overall water consumption and decreasing carbon emissions, the company said.
The Jacksonville City Council approved a $3.6 million property tax and grant incentives package for Danone's expansion on Dec. 13, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported. The project at the time was code-named Project Cashew.
The incentives are tied to the company’s commitment to retain 110 jobs and add 40 at an annual average wage of $50,000, according to a project summary.
The summary says "Cashew" will invest $55 million building out its existing facility and installing new equipment plus $10 million in utility upgrades, the Daily Record said.
Information from the Jacksonville Daily Record was used in this report.