James Skinner Baking Co. will invest $25 million to create a new bakery production facility in Paris, Texas, with plans to create 393 jobs. James Skinner Baking Co. supplies more than 200 million pastries and baked goods per year to customers throughout the U.S. Its products are offered under the Skinner brand and other branded and private label names to store bakeries, foodservice companies and distributors. The company also specializes in co-packing for contract food manufacturers.

Gov Rick Perry’s Office said as an incentive the state provided the firm with $1.8 million through the Texas Enterprise Fund to close the deal on this job creation.

"Today's announcement is the product of hard work from the James Skinner Co., officials here at the local level and hard-working Texans across our state who have made the phrase ‘Made in Texas' a worldwide mark of quality and dependability," Gov. Perry said. "While the Texas Enterprise Fund helped us close this deal, it's these investments paired with the strength of our workforce and our commitment to the conservative fiscal principles that are the foundation of our economy that make the real difference when the decision is made to expand or relocate."

"With a focus on moving forward, J. Skinner has partnered with the people of Paris, Texas and plans to acquire the 390,000 sq. ft. multi-million dollar former Sara Lee bakery facility. J. Skinner's strategy to take artisan baking into new directions is a perfect fit for Paris," Skinner President Audie Keaton said. "Many Paris companies are pursuing innovative solutions in the foods industry. Food and consumer goods manufacturing and packaging is Paris, Texas, and they are willing and able to accommodate industry partners with a can-do attitude. With a commitment to the craft of baking and providing unforgettable eating experiences, J. Skinner will continue to be an industry leader within our category and Paris, Texas will be part of the recipe for success."

"On behalf of the citizens of Paris, we want to thank the James Skinner Baking Co. for believing in our community as the best location for their business expansion," Mayor Dr. AJ Hashmi said. "We know that the competition for new jobs and capital investment is fierce across the country. The support extended by Gov. Perry's office through the Texas Enterprise Fund award literally closed the deal in our favor."