News Summary
Lee Kum Kee, a prominent Chinese sauce manufacturer, has announced a $22 million investment in Coweta County, Georgia, to establish its first dedicated soy sauce production facility in the U.S. This move reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in North America and enhances local economic growth. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 8,000 tons. Additionally, Lee Kum Kee’s broader strategy includes a planned $288 million facility in LaGrange, which is expected to create numerous job opportunities.
Coweta County, Georgia – Lee Kum Kee, a Hong Kong-based Chinese manufacturer known for its wide range of sauces, has announced a significant investment of $22 million to establish a new facility in Coweta County. This new facility will be dedicated to the production of soy sauce, with an annual output capacity of 8,000 tons. This marks a major milestone as it is Lee Kum Kee’s first dedicated location for soy sauce production in the U.S.
The president of the Coweta County Development Authority, Sarah Jacobs, highlighted that this investment demonstrates confidence in the area’s workforce and community, suggesting a positive outlook for local economic growth. This investment is part of a broader strategy by Lee Kum Kee, which in June revealed plans for an even larger $288 million facility in LaGrange, Georgia.
LaGrange Facility and Job Creation
The upcoming LaGrange factory is anticipated to create approximately 267 jobs and will support a wider array of sauces, designed as a smart factory intended to meet global company standards. Site and road preparations are currently being undertaken for this facility, and adjustments have been made to local zoning regulations to advance the project. These zoning changes aim to restrict agricultural uses in heavy industrial regions, thereby mitigating concerns about future investments near military installations.
Background on the Georgia International Business Park
The Georgia International Business Park, which was established five years ago, has successfully attracted over 41 international companies from 18 different countries since its inception. Troup County, where LaGrange is located, has previously faced challenges in securing large investments, such as the abandoned $500 million Sentury Tire project. This emphasizes the importance of the new investment by Lee Kum Kee as a step toward rebuilding the county’s economic landscape.
Furthermore, the region is already home to Kia Motors’ West Point plant, making it a strategic location for automotive suppliers and logistics providers. The successful integration of international projects into the local economy aligns with the state’s broader goals of attracting foreign investments.
Lee Kum Kee’s Global Reach
Founded in 1888, Lee Kum Kee operates in over 100 countries, providing a variety of popular products in the U.S. market, including oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, and sriracha mayo. The company’s expansion in Georgia reflects its ongoing commitment to enhancing its production capabilities while meeting the growing demand for its products in North America.
Stella Xu, the director of Southeast Asian investment for the state, played a crucial role in helping to secure this project and additional investments in food processing, which further illustrates the state’s strategic focus on bolstering its food manufacturing sector.
A Growing Industry
In addition to Lee Kum Kee’s investments, another Hong Kong-based sauce manufacturer, Koon Chun USA, has also announced plans for a $70 million plant in Gainesville, Georgia. This indicates a burgeoning trend of culinary manufacturing investments in the state, enhancing the area’s reputation as a hub for food processing and production.
As Georgia moves forward with these substantial investments, the focus on creating jobs and nurturing local economies remains strong, with international companies like Lee Kum Kee leading the charge in building these opportunities.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.