Pretzels, Inc., a leading manufacturer of pretzels and other snack products, plans to make a significant investment in the construction of a state-of-the-art production facility inside of VenturePark in Lawrence, Kan.
Brinkmann Constructors, the general contractor of the 150,000-SF facility, has already begun construction and anticipates a Q4 2021 completion date.
“We’re honored to be partnering with VanTrust Real Estate and Pretzels, Inc. on this project. This is a big investment in the area and we’re happy to be a part of building this community,” said Mike Uhrig, project director for Brinkmann.
Headquartered in Indiana, the company’s expansion into the KC region will allow it to better serve markets to the west and south with their variety of flavored and stuffed pretzels for private label brands, including Harvest Road.
“This project will create good-paying jobs and generate a significant investment for Kansas. My administration is committed to rebuilding our state’s foundation by encouraging businesses like Pretzels, Inc. to choose Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly in a release.
Pretzels, Inc. is a portfolio company of an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle-market private investment firm. Pretzels has already substantially invested in its personnel, R&D capabilities and manufacturing footprint, including a 120,000-SF expansion of the Plymouth, Ind. facility completed earlier this year.
The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) worked with a number of regional partners in attracting Pretzels, Inc., to the Kansas City region, including the State of Kansas, Kansas Department of Commerce, City of Lawrence, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, VanTrust Real Estate, Colliers International, QPS Employment, Polsinelli, Evergy and KC SmartPort.
“The decision for Pretzels, Inc. to locate its production facility in Lawrence reinforces our region’s position as a top location for food and beverage manufacturing. More than 600 food and beverage companies call the region home, and our KC SmartPort team will continue to elevate KC’s proximity to agriculture markets, advanced logistics infrastructure and industry-specific talent as strategic advantages,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of the KCADC.