MORE ROOM FOR UTZ
In honor of Michael W. Rice, the recently retired grandson of Utz Brands founders Bill and Salie Utz, the company has officially opened doors to its Rice Distribution Center in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The 650,000-sq.-ft. facility will now become the primary logistics hub for the company, handling inventory storage, consolidation and distribution for all U.S. Utz locations. The massive site, which in context would be capable of housing approximately 46.8 million Utz Cheese Ball barrels, introduces a total of 73 dock doors and 375 trailer parking spots to enhance distribution needs and consolidate operations from six of the company’s locations. “Our new logistics center reflects our commitment to operational excellence and growth,” said Utz Brands CEO Howard Friedman. “The facility expands capacity, enhances efficiency and streamlines operations for our customers, and we are proud to honor Mike Rice’s extraordinary legacy through it.” The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was a key player for the project, as it invested $1.5 million to install a new traffic signal at High Street and Kindig Lane to alleviate potential traffic disruption by the new facility. Now in operation, the facility is prepared to handle 1.1 billion pounds of Utz products per year.
Amgen plans expansion of its Holly Springs campus to accommodate increased need for serious illness medicines.
Photo courtesy of Amgen
AMGEN RECOMMITS TO HOLLY SPRINGS
To cater to long-term growth projections and demand for life-saving medicines, a $1 billion expansion has been announced in Wake County, North Carolina, from biotechnology company Amgen. The project will include the establishment of a second drug substance facility on the company’s Holly Springs campus, which will bring 370 new jobs to the Research Triangle region. “This expansion reflects Amgen’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the people who make it possible,” said Amgen Chairman and CEO Robert A. Bradway. “North Carolina has been a strong partner, offering the skilled workforce and forward-looking business climate we need to bring vital medicines to patients around the world.” Amgen was approved for a 12-year Job Development Investment Grant from the state, which will offer the potential of an over $4.8 million reimbursement to the company over the lifespan of the grant. The company’s last expansion of this site was noted in this newsletter in March 2022.
Hyundai aims to expand its production offerings in Malaysia, which currently produces the company’s Santa Fe SUV model.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai
FULL SPEED TOWARD MALAYSIA
With $484 million in tow, Hyundai Motor marks its largest investment to date in Kulim, Malaysia. The company plans to expand its complete knock-down facility and begin producing a new range of mid-to-large SUV models, including its multipurpose van Staria and Genesis brand vehicles. The company has stated this facility will focus on internal combustion engines and hybrid models with plans to diversify its offerings to include electric vehicles in the future. This investment will allow Hyundai to increase production to 20,000 units annually at the site, allowing the company to not only serve the Malaysian market but expand to other markets throughout Southeast Asia. “We made this investment decision considering the growing importance of Southeast Asia and the Malaysian market,” said the company. “We aim to contribute to the economic and social development of the region through job creation and local talent development.” Construction at the site is expected to begin in 2025.
Reports compiled and written by Alexis Elmore