Located on William J. Clark Drive in Conway, Ark., the 525,000-sq.-ft. facility will manufacture single-serve coffee products and potentially expand into additional product formats in the future.
The enhanced structure includes the addition of three C-level roles — chief innovation officer, chief client officer and chief strategy officer — and a realignment of the company’s U.S. geographic regions.
Backed by a five-year, $5 million investment, the plan will fund techniques — powered by genomic science — to grow hardier peanut varieties that can stand up to pressure from pests, disease and unpredictable weather.
The potential acquisition comes as part of the company's strategic growth plan to further invest in specialty ingredient capabilities and diversify its portfolio of solutions.
pladis says the capital will be used to increase capacity, capability and productivity through more automated lines and updated factory infrastructure.
The facility, which is operated by WSP and dedicated to Chomps production, is expected to create approximately 250 full-time jobs, contributing to the local economy and surrounding areas.