Rise Baking is set to enhance one of its U.S. manufacturing sites while planning to close another as part of its strategy to optimize its production network.
In a recent announcement on March 12, the Minneapolis-based company revealed plans to expand its Pleasant View, Utah facility and shutter its plant in Kent, Washington. This decision comes in response to the evolving needs within the food and beverage industry trends, aiming to better align operations with customer demand.
The expansion will introduce approximately 115,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space at Pleasant View, which has been operational for over 30 years. Currently, the facility boasts more than 142,000 square feet dedicated to production and cold-storage, mainly focusing on cookies and icings, including the renowned Buttercremes range.
According to Rise, enhancing capacity at Pleasant View will streamline its operations, thus supporting growth across various product categories, particularly an increase in pie production. Moreover, the project entails significant infrastructure upgrades, including advanced wastewater management and energy-efficiency enhancements, aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Scheduled for completion later this year, the Pleasant View expansion is projected to create around 170 new jobs, significantly contributing to the local economy. CEO Mark McNeil stated, “This expansion is about building a smarter, more efficient manufacturing network that better supports our customers today and positions us for the future. By further investing in Pleasant View, we’re optimizing our pie production footprint while creating additional capacity to support future growth, strengthening our ability to deliver the quality and consistency our customers rely on.”
Simultaneously, as part of its manufacturing consolidation efforts, the company will close its Kent plant in the upcoming months. This decision follows a thorough evaluation, and the company has committed to providing severance and retention packages based on employee tenure. Additionally, affected employees will be offered opportunities to explore other roles within the organization.
Founded in 2013, Rise Baking specializes in manufacturing cakes, cookies, muffins, icings, and pies for in-store bakeries and foodservice customers. By making strategic improvements and expansions, Rise aims to position itself favorably within the food and drink business, adapting to evolving food and drink consumer trends.