Collegedale-based McKee Foods expands with an investment of $102 million creating about 50 new jobs over the next five years.
“We’re thrilled to be increasing our production capacity and supporting the community we love through new jobs and investment in the local economy,” said Mike McKee, president and CEO of McKee Foods.
This expansion includes new equipment for manufacturing and a new onsite state-of-the-art conference center and office building.
“McKee is a pillar of Collegedale, and it’s a pleasure to see them expand,” said Collegedale Mayor Katie Lamb.
“McKee has consistently been successful here. They’re Hamilton County’s largest private employer, and a longstanding one, continuing to grow and create family wage jobs,” said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.
“Legacy companies like McKee are an important cornerstone in our regional economy, and we’re excited to see them continue to invest here,” said Charles Wood, vice president of economic development at the Chattanooga Chamber. “They are Hamilton County’s largest manufacturer, and this project represents a significant long term commitment to our community.”
McKee Foods is a family bakery with annual sales of about $1.3 billion. The McKee Foods story began during the Great Depression, when founder O.D. McKee began selling five-cent snack cakes from the back of his car. Soon after, he and his wife, Ruth, bought a small bakery on Main Street in Chattanooga using the family car as collateral. Today, the company employs more than 5,200 people, and creates and produces Little Debbie snacks and Sunbelt Bakery snacks and cereals, among other food products. Visit mckeefoods.com for more information.
Source: McKee Foods