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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Starbucks Begins Construction On $172 Million Production Facility in Augusta, Georgia

07/13/2012
Starbucks Coffee Company began construction on its first company-owned manufacturing facility designed to produce soluble products, in Augusta, Georgia, which will create 140 jobs.

In addition, it is estimated the coffee maker's new production facility, located in Augusta Corporate Park, will produce hundreds of indirect jobs related to construction, shipping and other supply chain functions.

The $172 million, 180,000-square-foot plant, on Mike Padgett Highway, will produce 4,000 metric tons of products currently manufactured abroad, including; Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, coffee base for Frappuccino blended beverages and many of Starbucks ready-to-drink beverages.

In March the coffee maker said it will also invest $7 million to expand a packaging line at its Sandy Run, South Carolina, roasting plant, and add workers at that facility.

Starbucks officials said, as part of the firm's ongoing commitment to helping communities thrive, it will invest $200,000 in community programs to support Augusta's ongoing efforts. Over the next several months, Starbucks will work with elected leaders and civic organizations to identify, develop and support local programs focused on building long-term infrastructure that helps to galvanize a deeper sense of community engagement in Augusta.

"During such challenging economic times, I am thrilled that we are creating jobs and building something special right here in Georgia," said Peter Gibbons, executive vice president, Starbucks Global Supply Chain Operations. "Starbucks has long believed that there is a direct link between our success and the vitality of the communities in which we do business. With access to a skilled labor force, advanced technology, and critical transportation and logistics infrastructure, Augusta is a great example of how building high-tech manufacturing facilities in America makes good business sense while supporting the communities where our customers and partners live and work."

"Georgia is proud to welcome Starbucks to the growing community of global brands that make a home in our state," said Gov. Nathan Deal. "We understand that a company like Starbucks has its pick of places to do business, so we are indeed glad the strength of Georgia's workforce and business environment attracted this manufacturing operation." Details of any tax incentives offered the firm were not immediately available.

"The direct and indirect jobs Starbucks is bringing will have a near-immediate impact on Augusta," said Mayor Deke Copenhaver. "But Starbucks is bringing more than just jobs. The company is keenly aware of the need for companies and their employees to work towards building stronger communities at all levels. We look forward to working with Starbucks and learning from their long history of community engagement on how to develop sustainable solutions that foster a deep sense of civic duty and service."

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