Food and beverage company Danone U.S. announced the opening June 17 of a new $65 million production line at its manufacturing plant in Northwest Jacksonville.
The facility is at 2198 W. Beaver St. and has been in operation since 1948.
Danone celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting.
“This expansion of the 115,025 square-foot facility, which has been a cornerstone of the Jacksonville community since 1948, supports the continued growth of Danone’s coffee and creamer portfolio, including high-performing brands such as International Delight creamers and STōK Cold Brew Coffee,” the company said in a news release.
The new production line features cutting-edge technology, including a unique bottle-molding process that will increase production capacity and deliver efficiency and sustainability benefits, according to the release.
“Leveraging this new technology will result in a 30 percent reduction in bottle loss, and reduced water usage to create Danone’s new recyclable bottles.”
Danone also is investing in a new regional distribution center in the Jacksonville area, the release said, “as part of a streamlined, high-capacity distribution network rooted in regional infrastructure.
“This investment will allow the company to enhance its supply chain efficiency and deliver products at peak freshness across the Southeastern U.S. Between the manufacturing plant and distribution center, Danone is creating nearly 200 new direct and indirect jobs in the Jacksonville community.”
With 90% of Danone products made domestically, the company is committed to having a strong, self-reliant domestic supply chain, the release said.
Danone U.S. is part of Danone North America, whose brands include Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, evian, Happy Family, Honest to Goodness, Horizon Organic, International Delight, Oikos, Silk, YoCrunch and others.
The Paris-based company’s North America operation is based in Broomfield, Colorado, and White Plains, New York.
“We are proud to be expanding our operations in Jacksonville and creating new jobs and opportunities in the local community,” Dan Magliocco, president of Danone North America, said.
”Today’s announcement is the latest example of our over 80-year commitment to American manufacturing and strengthening our local communities. Our business continues to grow, and we are committed to accelerating our investments behind that growth over the coming years, playing our part in driving economic and industry growth.”