A Canadian company is opening its first-ever American facility in Tennessee.
Vibrant Health Products (VHP), based in British Columbia, announced on Friday that it will invest $49 million in a new manufacturing facility in Rossville, Tennessee.
The company stated it will create 394 new jobs for Tennesseans.
VHP, which produces baking products, will inhabit the space formerly occupied by the Kellogg’s Eggo facility—the Kellogg facility closed in 2024.
Stan Smith, president and co-founder of VHP, said adding an American facility gives the company “space and flexibility” it needs to gain momentum going into the future.
Smith stated its new Tennessee bakery will help increase the company’s production. According to Smith, this new location will allow VHP to “welcome new customers and sustain strategic relationships, explore new possibilities for innovation, broaden [its] business in new product categories, create stable jobs on both sides of the border, and pursue every opportunity to share [its] healthier products with the world.”
As a state, Canada is Tennessee’s third biggest foreign direct investment partner, according to a government press release. Canadian companies invest nearly $1.7 billion and create approximately 3,800 jobs statewide.
Governor Bill Lee called Tennessee the “best place to do business,” noting the state has over 1,000 international companies operating in it. Lee welcomed VHP to the Volunteer State.
“I thank this company for its commitment to creating greater opportunity for our highly skilled workforce and look forward to the positive impact these 394 jobs will bring to families across Fayette County,” the governor said.
Fayette County Mayor Rhea Taylor and Rossville Mayor Judy Watters both issued a statement saying this investment is a “transformative moment for Rossville and our surrounding communities.”
“This project also underscores the resilience and potential of our community, bringing substantial economic benefits that will enhance our quality of life. We couldn’t be more pleased to share this news with our community,” they said.
Tennessee Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said Tennessee has “been described as a food and beverage powerhouse,” saying that almost 800 companies operate in the state. McWhorter stated these companies generated over $1.6 billion in exports last year.
McWhorter added that he looks “forward to seeing the growth and success that follows today’s announcement.”
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at [email protected].
