Smucker wants to build $340M manufacturing plant in Longmont

LONGMONT — The J.M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) on Tuesday said it plans to build a $340 million manufacturing plant that could employ up to 500 people in the eastern portion of Longmont that is in Weld County.

The project is contingent on the approval of tax and business incentives and the closing of the transaction to purchase the land where the facility will be located, the company said. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact location.

The plant would be built in two phases and employ approximately 250 workers when phase one is complete and up to 500 employees in total with the completion of phase two.

Phase one includes up to an initial $200 million investment to construct and operate the new facility, with an additional $140 million for phase two expansion, dependent on product demand.

The company said it wants to start construction this spring with production expected to begin in 2019.

The plant will help meet growing demand for Smucker’s Uncrustables sandwiches, which are pre-made frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The Smucker’s Uncrustables sandwiches brand has grown from approximately $10 million in annual sales in 2000 to a $200 million business today and ended fiscal 2016 with its 17th consecutive quarter of double digit growth in U.S. retail sales. The plant in Longmont will complement the company’s plant in Scottsville, Ken. That makes the sandwiches.

“The Smucker’s Uncrustables brand is one of our fastest-growing brands, as consumers seek nutritious snacks and meal solutions for the whole family,” Mark Smucker, president and chief executive of The J. M. Smucker Co., said in a prepared statement.

“This new plant to be built at the foot of the Rockies will ensure we can continue to meet increasing demand across the country. We are thrilled to build our first manufacturing facility in Colorado and greatly appreciate the support we have received for this exciting project from officials representing Longmont, Weld County and the state of Colorado. We look forward to being part of the growing, greater Denver community.”

Longmont mayor, Dennis Coombs, said, “Competition for this new facility was strong, and I couldn’t be prouder of our recruitment effort, led by the Longmont Economic Development Partnership in close coordination with city departments.”

Julie Cozad, chairwoman of the Weld County Commissioners, said, “The Smucker project is a huge win for Longmont, Weld County and all of Northern Colorado. “This project further diversifies our thriving economy and showcases what an amazing food-manufacturing national hub Northern Colorado has become. We welcome Smucker to our growing corporate community.”

Hans Jespersen, board chairman of Upstate Colorado Economic Development, said the project is a “great example of local, county and state governments working together to proactively accomplish a significant economic development project.”

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