Ocean Spray Breaks Ground for Upper Macungie Plant
Ceremonial ground breaking held for new Ocean Spray plant to be built in Upper Macungie
State officials came to Upper Macungie Township this week for a ceremonial ground breaking that signal's the start of construction of an Ocean Spray plant, according to the Morning Call.
The new plant will:
- Cost $110 million
- Span 315,000 square feet
- Be located on 44 acres near Route 100 and Schantz Road
- Open in September 2013
- Employ 165 workers including some who will relocate from the company's outdated plant in Bordentown, N.J.
Township officials approved the project in February.
The state is providing Ocean Spray with a $4.52 million incentive package including:
- Money for infrastructure
- Money for job training
- A low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority
Based in Massachusetts, Ocean Spray is owned by more than 700 cranberry growers in five states and parts of Canada.
The company:
- Was formed 80 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey
- Includes Florida grapefruit growers since 1976
- Is North America’s leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks
- Posted fiscal 2010 sales of $2.05 billion
Do you think the new Ocean Spray Plant will be good for Upper Macungie?
Tell us in the comments.
David Carnwath
2:03 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I have a general concern regarding the number of plants moving into the area which are requiring what seems to be huge water requirements. I've not heard any discussion about where this water is coming from and its effect on the supply/cost for the existing commercial/residential users within the supply area.
D. Wag
8:49 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
What David said...plus, now we are supposed to put up with even more tractor-trailer tanker trucks on RT100 !!! The nosie from these trucks and their "Jake Brakes" is already out of control !! Assemble the residents...and let the games begin!!