Grupo Bimbo to invest $600m+ to build two new US plants, creating 600+ jobs
A facility in Valdosta, Georgia, will cost around $200 million to build, opening 295 new jobs in Lowndes County. Valdosta is the site of a second Bimbo facility, a $25m hamburger, hot dog and sandwich bun plant that is close to completion.
In addition, a $431m plant in Zanesville, Ohio, will create 320 jobs.
The new positions include roles in production, packaging, shipping and receiving, support, administration and management.
The announcements were made by the governors of each state.
The Peach State
“We’re excited that Grupo Bimbo has chosen the Peach State for this investment and look forward to others in the years to come,” said Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp, noting the state is currently enjoying a raft of investment.
“Last year, we celebrated over 60% of jobs created outside of metro Atlanta, and we’re staying focused on bringing opportunity to all Georgians, no matter their zip code.”
Added Valdosta’s Mayor Scott James Matheson, “We are delighted that Grupo Bimbo decided to add a second facility in Valdosta and Lowndes County,” said Valdosta’s Mayor Scott James Matheson.
“This project speaks to the positive collaboration between local and state partners that continues making our community a desirable location for world-class companies like Grupo Bimbo to invest and grow their business.”
The Buckeye State
In a statement, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, “The investment being made by Grupo Bimbo in Muskingum County will create 320 new jobs in order to meet the company’s growing consumer demand.”
Added Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority executive director Matt Abbot, “This investment will bring about highly skilled full-time positions that will have a lasting impact in our region for multiple generations.
“Our market access, workforce, and strongly aligned partnerships, coupled with construction-ready sites at the National Road Business Park are critical components that Grupo Bimbo will find beneficial.”
The world’s biggest bakery manufacturer
The new facilities extend Bimbo’s already impressive footprint, with more than 200 facilities and over 1,700 sales centres located across 33 countries.
The Mexico-headquartered conglomerate’s extensive portfolio ranges from fresh and frozen sliced bread to cakes and salted snacks. In the past year, it has bulked up its portfolio with the acquisition of popcorn maker Popcornopolis, cookie maker Emmy’s Organics, Indian bakery business Kitty Bread and most recently, UK bakery manufacturer St Pierre Groupe, a deal though to be worth more than $300m.
Despite the inflationary environment, Bimbo reported record sales and profits for Q3 2022.
Revenue for the period increased 20% from a year earlier, to MXN102.8bn ($5.1bn). Operating income rose 37.6% to MXN11bn ($553m), while adjusted EBITDA was up 15.2% at MXN14.5bn ($729m). Net income climbed 50.8% to MXN6.1bn ($306m)
For the sixth consecutive year, Grupo Bimbo ranked first as the company with the Best Corporate Reputation in Mexico, and for the seventh consecutive year, Daniel Servitje was named the leader with the best reputation in the country.
