Nestlé to invest $100M, create 160 new jobs in Gaffney

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Food and beverage company Nestlé USA has unveiled plans to expand operations in Cherokee County. The $100 million investment will create approximately 160 new jobs.

A division of Nestlé S.A., headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé USA’s portfolio includes brands such as Stouffer’s, Coffee Mate, DiGiorno and Nestlé  Toll House.

The Nestlé USA factory, opened in 1980 at 2132 Old Georgia Highway in Gaffney, produces frozen food entrees for Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine and will increase that capacity with the addition of a new production line and expansion of the existing production line, according to a news release.

“The frozen food category has been growing for the last few years, and the pandemic has only increased that trend,” Nestlé USA Gaffney factory manager Nicole Caldwell said in the news release. “As people spent more time at home, they rediscovered the convenience, value and great taste of frozen foods. Our investment in the Gaffney factory will ensure that we can continue to meet consumer demand for two of our most popular and well-known brands — Stouffer's and Lean Cuisine.”

S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said the expansion is not only promising news for potential plant workers, bur farmers, too.

“Agribusiness is South Carolina’s largest industry, and companies like Nestlé USA are helping it grow to even greater heights,” Weathers said in the release. “We welcome this expansion and the jobs and supply chain opportunities it will create.” 

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.