Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Maple Leaf Bakery will expand its current distribution center in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology. Maple Leaf will hire 45 new employees and invest an additional $11 million to create a new training center and classroom. In April 1997, the company announced the creation of 150-180 jobs and a $22 million investment. Virginia competed with Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina for the investment.
"I am pleased to see the growth of this flourishing Virginia company," said Governor Gilmore. "The Roanoke Valley area is a prime location for this expanding distribution center, and the new training center and classroom will allow Maple Leaf to continue to draw on the strong work ethic of Virginia's citizens."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership and the City of Roanoke assisted Maple Leaf Bakery with its decision. The company is eligible for continued tax credits because it located in an enterprise zone.
Maple Leaf Bakery is an independent operating company of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSE:MFI), producing top quality par-baked bread, rolls and bagels for the in-store bakery and foodservice market segments across the United States. In addition to the Roanoke facility, the company owns and operates manufacturing facilities in Franklin Park, Illinois, and Oxnard, California. Maple Leaf Bakery distributes its products across the United States under the California Goldminer, Sourdough and Eurofresh Crusty Breads brands.
"The consumer demand for our products has increased steadily since the facility opened in 1998," said Richard Lan, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Bakery. "This expansion will further position Maple Leaf Bakery as the leader in par-baked technology, and premium frozen and specialty baked goods."
"Maple Leaf Bakery is an excellent corporate citizen for Virginia," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "Maple Leaf's positive experience with the Commonwealth's central location and pro-business climate has helped it prosper in the past, and we hope to see the same success in the future."