Amy's Kitchen, a leading maker of natural and organic convenience foods, will establish a new production facility in Greenville County, South Carolina. The $63 million investment is expected to generate more than 700 new jobs over the next six years.

"Today's announcement is a major economic development win not just for the Upstate, but South Carolina as a whole. Amy's Kitchen's commitment to invest $63 million and create 700 new jobs will have an impact for years to come. Our administration continues to work daily on making sure South Carolina has the competitive business climate that attracts investments like this one. We thank Amy's Kitchen for deciding to invest in the Palmetto State and look forward to a long relationship with them," said Gov. Nikki Haley.

Amy's Kitchen was approved by the Coordinating Council for Economic Development for Job Development Credits, a discretionary, performance-based incentive. Additionally, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved Greenville County for a $1 million grant to benefit the project. The grant will assist the company with building improvements or purchasing the adjacent property. The Council consists of the heads or board chairs of 11 state agencies concerned with economic development in South Carolina and expedites economic development efforts by those agencies.

Amy's Kitchen will be purchasing the former Sara Lee building in Greenville County and will be upfitting the facility with new machinery and equipment. The company expects to begin local operations by January 1, 2012.

According to a release by Amy's, a location in South Carolina will give the company efficient regional distribution along the East Coast. It will also create opportunities for new partnerships with local organic farmers. Amy's will begin making a variety of its popular organic frozen entrees at the new plant in late 2011 or early 2012.

"We are pleased to move forward with our plans to locate a new facility in South Carolina, allowing us to expand production capacity and more easily and efficiently reach customers and markets all along the East Coast. Greenville County provided us with an excellent site and an existing structure suiting our needs. The state of South Carolina offered us a positive business environment as well as exceptional market access. We appreciate all the support we have received from state and local officials," said Andy Berliner, CEO of Amy's Kitchen.

This is the second major expansion announcement for Amy's Kitchen this year. In February, it was announced that Amy's would begin production of a broad range of best-selling products in Corby Borough, U.K., the companies first ever overseas operation.