Cedar’s Foods is nearing completion of its new $100 million Ward Hill plant that is expected to help the company double production of hommus and Mediterranean foods.
The 125,000 square-foot plant is expected to open in August, adding 125 jobs to its existing 750-employee operation. Near its existing plant, Cedar’s expects to turn out 208 million pounds of hommus and Mediterranean foods each year.
“We built this company on our family values and recipes, growing it through the hard work of our dedicated management team, employees and loyal customers. For this we are truly grateful,” said Charles Hanna, Cedar’s chief executive. He said the company was founded almost 40 years and has “blossomed into such a successful national brand.”
Chris Gaudette, Cedar’s CFO, added, “This investment represents our long-term commitment to expanding our brand and growing the category, while retaining our values as a local, family-owned company.”
The company has an existing 87,000 square-foot production building, an 87,000 square-foot distribution facility and a 75,000 square-foot dry-storage facility, bringing its total presence to nearly 375,000 square feet. Its expansion features a fully automated production process, utilizing Cedar’s proprietary processing systems along with advanced robotic technology.
“We believe that this will be the most advanced hommus manufacturing facility ever built,” said Nick Scangas, COO. “We have successfully adopted the latest technology, which will control costs and increase efficiencies, all while maintaining our proven process of delivering products without the use of preservatives. This truly is a win-win-win for Cedar’s, our consumers and the environment.”