S&D Coffee and Tea announced an expansion that will add two new facilities immediately and generate 200 new jobs over a five-year period. It is estimated that the expansion will have a $48 million economic impact in the area.
Expansion incentives were approved by the State of North Carolina, the City of Concord, and the County of Cabarrus.
The expansion sites in Concord will expand S&D's capacity for coffee, tea, and extracts production. S&D looked at a number of potential sites in North Carolina and other states, but settled on Concord. The new locations are close enough to capitalize on synergies with headquarters' manufacturing and staff support, but far enough away to provide redundancy as a prudent risk-management measure.
"Our business continues to grow and expand at a time when many companies have struggled," says Ron Hinson, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of S&D Coffee and Tea. "We considered locations in other states for this new round of expansion, but decided to stay in North Carolina and the Concord community.
"We thank the state of North Carolina, Cabarrus County, and the city of Concord for their tremendous support," he adds. "It seems fitting that S&D's bright future as a premier national manufacturer should advance in the same community where we have been since 1929."
John Cox, president and CEO of Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, was equally pleased that S&D was able to stay in Concord.
"S&D Coffee had the opportunity to take this business anywhere," Cox says. "The location of this expansion was the most competitive perhaps in our history. To have won the project is a testimony to a strong and talented workforce, a quality site, effective local leadership, and a relationship of trust built over many years. We look forward to the hundreds of new jobs created by S&D Coffee and Tea."
Concord Mayor Scott Padgett adds, "We're proud that S&D Coffee has called Concord home since 1929. S&D has a rich history in our community and has always offered good jobs to hundreds of people. They have emerged as a nationwide leader in the foodservice industry, and we are extremely excited they are planning to meet the needs of their customers and create even more jobs in Concord.
"S&D has also maintained a hangar at Concord Regional Airport for several years, and the location of this expansion will make the airport even more convenient for them," Padgett continues. "It is extremely rewarding that a locally grown company that has a proven record of innovation through the development of new technology and products will continue to be a vital part of our business community for years to come."
North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue put an exclamation point on the S&D expansion news. "Creating jobs has been my top priority," she says. "One of the best ways to do that is by helping existing companies expand. We know we have a strong business climate and the skilled workforce that S&D Coffee needs to grow and flourish in North Carolina."
