FARIBAULT, Minn., April 26, 2016 — Faribault Foods, well known for brands such as S&W® Beans and Butter Kernel® vegetables, has started construction of its new $100 million manufacturing facility, and celebrated Tuesday with a groundbreaking ceremony. The historic project, funded by parent company La Costeña Group, is expected to contribute $1.5 million annually in tax revenue to the area. The nearly one million square foot facility will be located on 57 acres adjacent to Faribault Foods’ current facility, combining three separate Faribault facilities under one roof. Operations will begin at the new plant in September of 2017, including can manufacturing, canning, labeling, storage and distribution.
“This is an exciting day for Faribault Foods and La Costeña Group, demonstrating our commitment to the Faribault community and our commitment to manufacturing great-tasting, healthy and affordable food sold throughout the US and abroad,” said Albert Hoflack, President and CEO of Faribault Foods.
The site work and building phase require over 350,000 work hours, translating to approximately 150 people on the job site for 15 months. Subsequent phases will require an additional 300,000 work hours, totaling an excess of 650,000 hours for the entire project, with all phases completed by October of 2019. Current operations in Faribault employ approximately 319 people, with an annual payroll of over $14.4 million. “Thanks to the investment from our parent company La Costeña Group, we anticipate stable employment and possible growth in the Faribault community in years to come,” said Tina Murray, Faribault Foods Director of Human Resources.
“Faribault Foods has been a presence in Minnesota for over 120 years – producing delicious food and creating good jobs for Minnesotans. This spirit of excellence has helped Minnesota develop world-leading agriculture and food sectors,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I thank Faribault Foods and La Costeña Group for their continued commitment to Minnesota and to Faribault.”
About Faribault Foods and La Costeña Group
Faribault Foods has a strong reputation as a trusted supplier of branded, store brand, and co-manufactured products. Branded products include S&W® Beans, Sun Vista®, Luck’s®, Kuner’s®, KC Masterpiece® Baked Beans, Mrs. Grimes®, Butter Kernel®, Chilli Man®, Kern’s®, Totis®, Green Beginnings®, Pride and Pasta Select®. The company also has a strong store brand business in canned beans, meals and beverages, in addition to long-standing contract manufacturing partnerships with top branded companies. La Costeña Group, a third generation family-owned business based in Mexico City, is a global leader in a wide range of packaged foods categories.
