Area Development
Snack food company Lotus Bakeries will add a new production line at its plant facility in Mebane, North Carolina. The $84 million project is expected to create 62 jobs in Alamance County.

The company will expand its only U.S. manufacturing plant by 171,000-square-feet, adding two more production lines, warehouse operations, and employee amenities.

“We are thrilled to further expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina,” says Margo Joris, General Manager of Lotus Bakeries US. “This expansion project will substantially increase our capacity in our plant in Mebane and we look forward to attracting skilled employees to join our exciting journey.”

A performance-based grant of $120,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help with Lotus’ expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“The decision of Lotus Bakeries once again to expand operations in Alamance County shows that when businesses come here, they can grow here,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Lotus knows the strength of our economy and workforce and this expansion underscores their desire to continue thriving in North Carolina.”

After 90 years, Lotus Bakeries continues to evolve the product lines of its Biscoff and BEAR brands. With 12 global production plants, the company only produces the Biscoff cookie at its headquarters in Belgium and North Carolina, which opened in 2019.

“Lotus Bakeries’ total investment in our state is expected to exceed $200 million,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Companies are depending on North Carolina’s skilled talent to help them meet business demands. The First in Talent plan outlines the strategy to achieve our goals and provide employers with a diverse talent pool for their present needs and future growth.”

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) were key partners in the project that included the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the City of Mebane, the Alamance Chamber of Commerce, and Alamance County.