Area Development
ACE Bakery, a manufacturer of baked goods for the retail and food service markets, will invest $18.4 million locate a production plant in Gaffney, Cherokee County, South Carolina, a move expected to generate approximately 50 jobs.

"We are pleased to move forward with our plans to locate a new plant in Cherokee County. South Carolina offered us the right mix of a business-friendly environment and strong workforce that will help us be successful. We appreciate all the support we've received from state and local officials," said Ed Holik, executive vice president, Operations, Weston Foods.

ACE Bakery, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, will establish its facility in at Cherokee Office Park, in Gaffney, South Carolina, northeast of Spartanburg, where it will produce its Artisan line of baked breads for both the retail and foodservice sectors.

"It is always a great day in South Carolina when a company decides to put down roots in our state, and it's especially exciting when a company chooses to locate in one of our state's rural areas," said Gov. Nikki Haley.

"Companies want to locate where they can be successful. ACE Bakery's announcement once again shows South Carolina's ability to attract job-creating investments. Every one of these jobs will have impact in Cherokee County," said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

As an incentive, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.

"This announcement is further evidence of the confidence companies have in our local workforce and business climate," said Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer.