FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Krispy Kreme announced it will expand operations in its Winston-Salem facility to support the production of its Branded Sweet Treats line, a packaged donut product.
The expansion will generate 180 new jobs with a $5.8 million capital investment over 3-4 years as part of the company's long-term growth strategy.
Krispy Kreme was founded in Winston-Salem in 1937 and operates retail and production locations worldwide. The new production line will be added to the Ivy Avenue production facility in Winston-Salem.
"Since its founding over 85 years ago, Krispy Kreme has remained committed to its origins in Winston-Salem. With this project, we look forward to growing our presence in Winston-Salem, a city that has always meant so much to the brand," Global President and COO for Krispy Kreme, Josh Charlesworth said.
Under the umbrella of advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing is a target industry sector in Winston-Salem. Particular advantages include transportation accessibility, warehousing and logistics operations, an abundant, high-quality water supply, and agricultural inputs that position Winston-Salem favorably in this sector.
"Krispy Kreme is an integral part of Winston-Salem's history," President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc, Mark Owens said. "They (Krispy Kreme) have facilities across the country, and even were looking at states to launch new relationships. For them to come back home to Winston-Salem where they were founded to re-invest. It's an exciting day and it's a re-commitment to the community"
The City of Winston-Salem has committed to supporting the project with up to $156,456 in performance-based incentives, with Forsyth County pledging $109,600. The project is expected to generate 180 new jobs and also retain 37 existing jobs over the next 3-4 years. The new jobs will have an average wage of $33,150.
"We are proud to support Krispy Kreme's commitment to grow and add jobs in Winston-Salem," Mayor Allen Joines said. "Krispy Kreme raises Winston-Salem's visibility as a place to locate, and their decision to continue investing here reinforces that.
Director of Community and Economic Development for Forsyth County, Kyle Haney, says this project will continue to build the manufacturing momentum in Forsyth County.
In addition to support provided by the city of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, Krispy Kreme's expansion is supported by a $60,000 NC Rural Division Building Reuse grant from the NC Department of Commerce.