While economists fret over bubbles of another kind, the leading maker of bubble drinks is stretching its wings. Lollicup USA Inc., the specialty beverage manufacturer, supplier and retailer, is moving from 140,000 sq. ft. (13,000 sq. m.) in two separate locations in Walnut and Industry, Calif., to one shiny new 300,300-sq.-ft. (27,898-sq.-m.) facility in the San Bernardino County community of Chino. The company plans to add to its payroll of 150 once the relocation is complete in mid-third quarter 2013.
“We are bringing manufacturing back to the US,” said Alan Yu, president and CEO of Lollicup. “In addition to our corporate headquarters, our new space will house a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for paper and plastic disposable goods. 
We are moving our manufacturing from Asia to California to shorten our customers’ lead times and to meet increased demand for our products.” Lollicup pre-leased the building, called the First Chino Logistics Center, in March from First Industrial Realty Trust.
The supply-constrained Chino area marks the intersection of four major counties in the greater Los Angeles area. “It’s exciting to see manufacturers look to this region to build their operations,” said Kelly Reenders, economic development agency administrator, County of San Bernardino.
Lollicup started the Boba Milk Tea movement with the opening of its first store in San Gabriel, Calif. Five more stores quickly followed, and today the company has stores in 11 states. The company plans to expand its stores overseas to Dubai and China next.
