ATLANTA – A food company founded in Hawaii but now based in California will grow its Georgia presence with a $54 million plant expansion in Hall County, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday.
The investment by King’s Hawaiian in Oakwood will create 135 jobs.
“For nearly 15 years, King’s Hawaiian has proven to be an incredible partner in creating quality jobs in Northeast Georgia,” Kemp said. “Expansions like these are an important part of our economic development work, helping create further opportunities in growing communities.”
King’s Hawaiian was founded in 1950 by the Taira family in Hilo, Hawaii. Since coming to Georgia in 2010, the company has grown to support more than 800 jobs in the Peach State.
“This expansion represents a major milestone in our journey,” said Mark Taira, the company’s CEO. “Georgia has been an essential part of our success.”
The expansion will add a new production line at the 150,000-square-foot Oakwood plant, producing additional flavors of King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Bites.
With operations due to begin in the second quarter of next year, the company will be hiring for positions in management, maintenance, food safety, and quality control. For more information on those openings and to apply, click on kingshawaiian.com/careers.
The state Department of Economic Development’s Global Commerce team worked on the project in partnership with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Georgia EMC.