Area Development
AGRANA Fruit US, the subsidiary of a Austria-based food manufacturer that in the US prepares fruits and juices for the yogurt industry, will invest $10 million to expand its Centerville, Tennessee facility, creating 64 new positions at its Hickman County plant.

"The North American Yogurt industry has seen explosive growth in the past five years. This trend is expected to continue and is driving the need for significant expansion in our business," Bob Prendes, president and CEO of AGRANA Fruit US, Inc., said. "Our plant in Centerville, Tenn. has played a key role in the success of AGRANA Fruit US Operations. We are grateful for the continued support shown by both state and local officials and are pleased to be able to continue and expand our partnership with this great community."

AGRANA Fruit US, Inc. is a member of AGRANA Fruit, the world leader in fruit preparations for the dairy industry. The Centerville expansion will include the addition of new production lines.

"As a small rural community, we are blessed to have an international company like Agrana in our community," Centerville Mayor Bob Bohn said. "They produce a world class product and this announcement is welcome news for our town. We appreciate the company's continued growth in Centerville."

"By enabling the Town of Centerville to expand and upgrade their waste water treatment operation, Agrana, one of our community's major employers, will now have a chance to expand their production lines thus yielding 60-plus new jobs for our growing economic base," Hickman County Mayor Steve Gregory said. "Hickman County is pleased to have been a part of this joint effort with the Town of Centerville, the State of Tennessee and other partners to promote industrial growth and development and to assist in securing a brighter future for our hard working citizens. We will continue to be on the lookout for additional opportunities to work together again on mutually beneficial projects that produce job growth."

The company also worked with the Hickman County Economic Development Association and the South Central Tennessee Development District on the expansion. AGRANA will also work with the Tennessee Career Center to staff job openings at the Centerville facility.