Food manufacturer Häns Kissle Co. has opened its $42.25 million operation at Apple Creek Corporate Center in Gaston County.
The GBA was honored to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility last week.
The Gaston County location plans to employ more than 200 workers at the building, which is around 100,000 square feet.
The facility represents one of the largest investments at Gaston County's Apple Creek Corporate Center.
Häns Kissle makes salads and prepared foods that are sold in grocery stories.
"This new facility will not only boost our production capacity and provide for future growth of our company, but also reinforce our commitment to the highest standards of freshness, quality and innovation," CEO Ricardo Alvarez said.
By the numbers: Apple Creek spans over 300 acres that was assembled by Gaston County.
What's next: Donny Hicks, executive director of the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, is now looking for options for the county's next industrial park after the success of Apple Creek.
The county launched Apple Creek after the neighboring Gastonia Technology Park was nearing capacity. Apple Creek is being developed far ahead of schedule amid strong manufacturing interest in the market.
"We started the park in June 2020 with anticipation it would take around 10 years to build out," Hicks said of Apple Creek. "Now. we only have three parcels left. Having (Häns Kissle) here creates a lot of momentum. We have a growing food cluster and it helps that."