Materne North America - the maker of GoGo squeeZ Applesauce On the Go - announced it will be making an $85 million investment in a new food processing facility that will create a minimum of 230 new jobs in the Treasure Valley. The new state-of-the-art facility - the company's second U.S. location - will be housed at a site formerly owned by Micron Technology, Inc., 906 East Karcher, which has been vacant since 2007.
"Materne is committed to helping on-the-go families make healthy choices," said Michel Larroche, CEO Materne/GoGo squeeZ. "As we grow the GoGo squeeZ brand in North America, I am delighted that we have found a home in Nampa, Idaho, where our vision can continue to be realized and we can expand our wholesome snack offerings throughout the U.S."
GoGo squeeZ is the leading squeezable, re-sealable, 100% fruit in a pouch snack and lunchtime favorite for busy, health-conscious families. GoGo squeeZ's products contain only natural ingredients, and the company sources over 90% of its fruits from farmers and orchards in the United States that minimize the use of chemicals and genetically modified ingredients.
Originally founded in France where it is known as Pom'Potes, GoGo squeeZ launched in the U.S. in June 2008 and opened its facility in Traverse City, Michigan, in 2011. The company's products are sold in over 50,000 locations nationwide.
"On behalf of the State of Idaho, I'm proud to welcome Materne North America to the Treasure Valley," Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter said. "Idaho is becoming a national leader in food processing, and we are thrilled to welcome a new employer with such a stellar reputation to our state. I'm proud and grateful to the people and leaders of the City of Nampa and Canyon County, to local economic development officials, Lt. Governor Brad Little, and to Director Jeff Sayer and his team at the Idaho Department of Commerce who helped make this great news possible."
"This is great news for the city of Nampa and the Treasure Valley," Nampa Mayor Bob Henry said. "And it's an excellent example of local and state governments working together to boost Idaho's economy. I'm very proud of Economic Development Director Beth Ineck who played the key role in Nampa to make this happen. On a personal note, my grandchildren love GoGo squeeZ. We have it in the pantry all the time."
The Canyon County Board of County Commissioners added, "Today's announcement is wonderful news for Canyon County. Materne North America is a strong company with a growing reputation and we couldn't be happier with their decision to invest in a new state-of-the-art facility that will bring hundreds of good jobs to the area. And when you couple it with Canyon County's already strong agricultural economy, it's a win-win for everyone involved."
In Nampa, Materne/GoGo squeeZ found the right mix of access to quality fruits, a skilled workforce, facility and property specifications, and true partnership with the area community. This month a full engineering and design review will commence, then the facility will be retrofitted as a FDA-level food production facility. Demolition and construction will begin soon afterwards and is expected to continue into the third quarter. Trial runs on the first two production lines are expected to be held by year's end. When at full capacity the Nampa plant is expected to produce 60% of GoGo squeeZ's base line U.S. products.
Also this month, interested parties should expect to see job postings at www.gogosqueez.com/careers for initial factory, management, and technical positions.
About Materne's GoGo squeeZ
GoGo squeeZ all-natural squeezable applesauce is simple, yummy fun, and it delights like a game of tag or a run through a backyard sprinkler. We believe in real fun foods that are easy, smart and fit into peoples' busy lives. Originally founded in France where it is known as Pom'Potes, GoGo squeeZ launched in the U.S. in June 2008. Collectively, Materne has sold more than 2 billion pouches to families around the world. Materne North America is headquartered in New York City. GoGo squeeZ products come in a re-sealable pouch that features a built-in straw, making it a no-spoon, no-mess way to enjoy 100% fruit on the go. Our pouches are all-natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives. GoGo squeeZ is sold at over 50,000 locations nationwide including Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, Publix, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods Market, and a growing list of other major retailers. For more information, please visit: www.gogosqueez.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Those interested in vendor relations with Materne/GoGo squeeZ in Nampa should inquire at fren-boise@materne.us.
There are no comments
Please login to post comments