Area Development
Specialty snack food producer Pure Foods, Inc. has chosen Sullivan County for its new $22 million, 88,000-square-foot, U.S. headquarters and manufacturing campus that will be built on 35 acres in Kingsport, Tennessee. The facility will serve markets primarily in the United States, Canada and Mexico, creating 273 jobs.

“Our vision to give consumers across North America healthier snack options has come to life today thanks to the tremendous support of the city and Chamber of Commerce of Kingsport, the Tennessee Economic and Community Development team and NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership. It’s been exciting to work with these partners to build a state-of-the-art snack facility like no other,” Pure Foods President/CEO John Frostad said.

“The new investment will allow Pure Foods to operate an advanced, FSSC22000, BRC and SQF certified, Allergen Controlled Snack Manufacturing Plant. In addition to industry leading material handling and processing techniques, the company is deploying patented dehydration technology that will see the integration of fresh vegetables and fruits into sheeted tortilla style snacks, extruded products, and other snack forms. The central location of Kingsport along with a skilled and enthusiastic workforce is why Pure Foods made the decision to locate its head office and manufacturing facility there,” he added.

“We want to welcome Pure Foods to Tennessee and thank them for their investment in Kingsport,” Governor Bill Haslam said. “Our geographic location and skilled workforce are incredible advantages when we’re out recruiting businesses to Tennessee, and when a company establishes its United States headquarters and manufacturing operations in Tennessee, it sends another clear signal that we can compete with anyone.”

“The food and beverage sector has added more than 4,000 new jobs and $1.1 billion in new investment during the Haslam administration. Tennessee continues to see momentum build in this sector,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “I am pleased with Pure Foods’ decision to locate in Tennessee, furthering our world renowned reputation as a state where the artisan spirit continues to thrive, and I applaud the company for investing and creating nearly 300 new jobs in Kingsport.”

Pure Foods produces nutrient dense and low fat specialty snack foods. Construction has already begun on the Kingsport location, the company’s fourth facility in North America, and is slated for completion in August 2015. “Kingsport is very excited to welcome Pure Foods to our community. This is great news for our city and state, and we are most appreciative to Pure Foods for selecting Kingsport as the home for its new location,” Kingsport Economic Development Board Chairman Bill Dudney said.

“This successful endeavor has taken many months to make happen, and it has been a very productive collaboration between the state of Tennessee, city of Kingsport, Sullivan County, NETWORKS, Kingsport Economic Development Board and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. I want to thank all of these great partners for their extraordinary efforts in helping to recruit Pure Foods to Kingsport,” he added.