FORT WORTH, TX — The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce announced Aug. 11 that Oatly, the world’s original and largest oat drink company, has chosen Fort Worth as the site of its next production facility within North America.
The 280,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing center, located at 7550 Oak Grove Road, is expected to create more than 100 jobs once completed in 2023 and will produce the company’s line of oatmilks. The footprint expansion comes as the oatmilk category more than doubled in the U.S. in 2020 from the prior year according to Nielsen, fueling demand for Oatly’s products to outpace current supply.
“Fort Worth is dedicated to being a business-friendly city that is also committed to the health and well-being of our residents. I’m excited to welcome Oatly, a company built on promoting personal well-being and sustainability, to Fort Worth, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact the company will have on the people in this town through many well-paying jobs and people around the world through its sustainability-focused philosophy,” says Mayor Mattie Parker.
Oatly’s Fort Worth facility will produce an estimated 150 million liters of oatmilk annually and will have the largest footprint of the company’s three North American facilities. Oatly’s new factory is the third production facility for the company in North America, joining its facilities in Millville, NJ and Ogden, UT. Built for the future, the factory will have ample space for expansion even after it starts producing oatmilk. The facility will be one of nine facilities around the world the company will open by 2023, as it expands to further its mission of growing the plant-based movement and shifting the food system toward one that’s built for planetary and human health.
“Every time someone decides to take their coffee with oatmilk or have an Oatgurt for their afternoon snack, we believe they’re making a choice that’s healthier for them and the planet. And more and more people are making those choices every day,” said Oatly President North America Mike Messersmith. “We’re excited to break ground on this factory in Fort Worth, which we believe will allow us to meet the growing demand for Oatly’s products and grow our positive impact on the planet.”
All employees at the Oatly Fort Worth facility will receive the same benefits as all others who work at Oatly US plants located in Ogden, Utah and Millville, New Jersey. These include access to all Oatly’s health, wellness, leadership and sustainability learning programs, full medical, vision and dental benefits, 20 vacation days, paid sick and holiday days, up to 20 paid weeks of parental leave, and comparable eligibility for the company’s Incentive Award Plan.
The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce worked closely with Oatly and the City of Fort Worth throughout the entire development process. Brian Corde and Ann Petersen from Atlas Insight LLC, a site selection firm based in Freehold, New Jersey helped Oatly arrive at this strategic location decision based on key sustainability, workforce and geographic criteria.
“We are thrilled to welcome Oatly, an established, global brand to Fort Worth,” said Chris Strayer, Executive Vice President of Economic Development for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “Our central U.S. location, affordable land with room to grow, and skilled manufacturing workforce will be an excellent home for Oatly.”
