FLORENCE — The launch of the new Heinz facility in Florence has been delayed because of the state of the economy.
Heinz officials, however, maintain the new facility eventually will open as planned.
“Heinz remains committed to its new frozen food manufacturing facility and the community of Florence,” Jessica Jackson, senior manager of public relations for Heinz North America, said. “However, the nutritional entrées category, including Weight Watchers Smart Ones, has been impacted by the economic slowdown. To that end, we have made the difficult, but fiscally responsible decision to temporarily delay the start of manufacturing at the facility.”
Heinz announced in June 2008 it would open the Florence facility to expand its production of frozen meals, bringing 350 full- and part-time jobs to the area.
The company broke ground in September on a 225,000-square-foot facility on 49 acres in Pee Dee Electric Cooperative’s Touchstone Energy Commerce City, near U.S. 95 and S.C. 327. According to county documents, the company committed to a $105 million initial investment in the plant.
Contact between Heinz and Florence County began in February 2007, and Heinz visited the area more than six times before it made its final decision, Dr. Charles Gould, chairman of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, said in a previous interview.
The company initially had expected to complete construction by this summer and begin manufacturing in late fall. But, in light of the downturn in the economy, those plans have been put on hold.
“The length of the temporary delay is unknown at this time, and we are committed to re-evaluating the situation on a regular basis as and when the economic conditions improve,” Jackson said. “Heinz remains fully committed to the long-term future of its South Carolina facility.”
The Florence facility will produce frozen entrées in its Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Boston Market product lines.
Heinz North America employs more than 10,000 people. The company’s meals and snacks, which account for more than $4.5 billion in revenues, made about 10.8 percent more money than its ketchup and sauces during the 2008 fiscal year and about 9.3 percent more in fiscal year 2007.
Joe W. King, executive director of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, said despite the delay, he is confident that Heinz has a bright future in Florence County.
“They have assured us they are 100 percent committed to this project,” he said. “As far as that commitment goes, nothing has changed. They’re still training and moving forward.
Construction on the facility is complete and management is in the process of moving in to the building, King said.
“The only thing that’s changed is the actual launch date, and we’re hoping to see an upswing in the economy soon and a manufacturing launch in 2010,” he said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement