Nestlé USA is looking to construct a beverage factory in Glendale following the city council’s unanimous approval during a March 8 meeting.
The food and beverage company invested $675 million in a 143.6-net-acre lot, which will house a 630,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the production of creamers and other products.
While addressing consumer demands and establishing a greater presence in the western United States, this Nestlé location will also generate local economic growth and introduce new jobs into the West Valley.
“We are honored to welcome the largest food and beverage company to Glendale’s New Frontier,” Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said in a statement.
“Their commitment to long-term positive impact aligns directly with the city’s vision, and we look forward to having them join our community. The significant impact of their fiscal investment and the jobs created will be seen for years to come.”
The land, located on a portion of the Woolf Logistics Center site near Reems Road, was approved for foreign trade zone (FTZ) status. This is an area where both domestic and foreign merchandise receive the same treatment as they would outside of the United States.
Economic Development Officer Randy Huggins said during the meeting the FTZ “encourages local economic stimulation and increases the local tax base, as compared to vacant agricultural lands.”
In addition, the Nestlé factory construction will create over 350 jobs locally. These positions consist of professional staff, manufacturing and production leaders, technical staff and engineers. Hiring will begin over this upcoming summer and continue throughout 2023.
“Beverages play an increasingly important role in the lives of consumers, a trend that’s been accelerated by the pandemic and is expected to continue to grow. This investment illustrates our continued commitment to leading and growing categories where we play, providing consumers with a variety of high-quality, innovative products to meet their needs,” said Daniel Jhung, beverage president, Nestlé USA, in a statement.
“We appreciate the partnership from state and local officials and look forward to contributing to the local economy and Glendale community for many years to come, including through the creation of over 350 jobs.”
Upon its projected completion in 2024, the facility will join the ranks of Nestlé USA’s network of 14 food and beverage companies spanning the United States.
With its utilization of innovative digital tools and flexibility in response to consumer demand changes, it will be the company’s most technologically advanced factory and distribution center.
Sustainability will be considered during the facility’s design process. It is planned to include a water recycling process to reduce water usage, zero-waste to landfill and fully recyclable product packaging made from food-safe recycled plastic.
The facility also aims for 100% renewable energy by 2025, supporting the company’s goal for its operations to yield zero environmental impact by 2030.
During the past two years, Nestlé in the United States has amplified its manufacturing footprint and in-house abilities. The company has since invested almost $3 billion in this endeavor, with new factories, expansions and operational changes that help meet its sustainability targets.
