ORRVILLE, OH — The J.M. Smucker Co. announced Nov. 18 that it will invest $1.1 billion to build a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in McCalla, AL, dedicated to production of Smucker's Uncrustables sandwiches. Construction of the facility is expected to begin no later than January 2022, with production commencing in calendar year 2025. The project demonstrates the company's commitment to meet increasing demand for this highly successful product and deliver on its strategy to focus on growth brands.
The new facility marks the third manufacturing location dedicated to the Smucker's Uncrustables brand, along with existing facilities in Scottsville, KY and Longmont, CO. This new facility, and a completed expansion at the Longmont location, will support the company's strategy to more than double its current production capacity.
The ongoing demand for the frozen handheld sandwich has driven the brand's growth over time to approximately $500 million in annual net sales, demonstrating double-digit net sales growth annually over the past decade. With increased production capacity, the company expects to grow the Smucker's Uncrustables brand over the next five years to approximately $1 billion in annual net sales.
"Our Smucker's Uncrustables brand continues to be one of the fastest-growing in our portfolio and in the food sector more broadly. We are proud of the success the brand has achieved, due in no small part to the tremendous efforts of our employees, and we're excited to take advantage of the opportunities and growth our investments will enable," said Mark Smucker, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We appreciate the support we have received from the State of Alabama and Jefferson County officials, and we look forward to being a part of the greater Birmingham community."
Construction of the facility and production will occur in three phases over multiple years, creating up to 750 jobs. Financial investments and job creation will align with each of the three phases and are contingent on the approval of tax and business incentives and the closing of the transaction to purchase the property where the facility will be located.
"Because The J.M. Smucker Co. is one of America's leading consumer packaged goods companies in the food sector, its decision to make a significant investment in Jefferson County represents a powerful endorsement of Alabama's inviting business environment," said Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey. "Not only will the company's growth project create a large number of jobs in McCalla, but it will also permit us to build a long-standing relationship with a top consumer brand."
