Canada-based food and drinks manufacturer Lassonde Industries is set to invest around $200m to construct a new beverage manufacturing facility in the US.

The company’s new 200,000-square-foot plant will be adjacent to its existing beverage site in New Jersey, and once built, will replace the old facility.

Lasssonde said the investment is intended to “fortify its competitive position in the key US northeast market by improving operating efficiency and delivering incremental volume at lower costs through a more efficient production flow, improved yields, and better logistics”.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and existing production activities will be progressively transferred beginning in 2026. The transition is expected to be completed in 2027.

“Lassonde is proud to launch an important investment program to strengthen its position as one of the leading North American fruit juice and drink manufacturers,” Vince Timpano, CEO of Lassonde, said.

“Since entering the US market, we have methodically expanded our footprint and our initiatives will support further expansion of both our private label and branded beverage activities, while improving our profitability. Over the longer term, this investment program will offer the potential to add further production capacity and new capabilities to meet market opportunities.”

Lassonde also recently made a $53m investment to expand its single-serve capabilities in North Carolina. It now also plans to invest an additional $20m at this facility to “fortify its role as a strategic production hub”.

The company develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of private label and national brand products, including ready-to-drink beverages, fruit-based snacks as well as frozen juice concentrates.

“Investments will drive efficiency enhancements across our US operations, while providing flexibility and added capabilities to meet future growth in demand,” Timpano added.

“Our US volume build-back plan is progressing as anticipated, and this new facility will offer more capacity over the longer term to better serve our customers and support our momentum.

“Through Project Eagle, which identified and addressed key issues impacting the US beverage supply chain and manufacturing performance, and the commissioning of a new single-serve line in North Carolina, our teams have proven their ability to execute large and complex projects, and we are confident in their ability to deliver this significant one on time and on budget.”

Timpano was named CEO in August as previous chief executive Nathalie Lassonde transitioned to executive vice-president and co-chair of the Lassonde board.

In January 2025, she will become executive chair of the board and step down as executive VP.