Signature Brands Opens One of the World’s Largest Popcorn Popping Facilities

OCALA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Signature Brands, LLC hosted a grand opening ceremony at its new 207,000-square-foot popcorn popping production and distribution facility in Ocala, Fla. The new facility, as a whole, represents a $15 million investment in Marion County and the City of Ocala. Signature Brands received economic incentive funds to assist with the project from the State of Florida, Marion County and the City of Ocala by way of the Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corp. Founded 60 years ago in Ocala, Signature Brands has grown significantly, expanding its facilities three times during the last 15 years. When the Ocala facility is fully operational, the company will employ over 400 year-round, with seasonal employment growing to nearly 600.

"During our peak production periods the plant will be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, popping and packaging corn. At those times, we'll have more than 250 employees in the facility shipping between 100 and 150 truckloads daily."

In August 2008, the company acquired the popcorn producer, which manufactures and sells Popcorn Expressions, the world's largest holiday popcorn producer with both contemporary and traditional holiday tins filled with three types of delicious air-popped popcorn: butter flavor, cheese flavor and caramel corn. These decorative tins are often saved as keepsakes after the popcorn has been consumed. Popcorn Expressions produces well over 10 million holiday popcorn tins each year.

"It's exciting that Signature Brands has chosen Marion County for their newest location," said State Senator Evelyn Lynn. "This is a significant company with promise of growth and the reality of providing many jobs for Marion County. This is the start of a popping economic boom for Marion County!"

"Signature Brands opening a new operation in our community does just what we need - it creates job opportunities. It is my hope that this will be the first of many expansions to take place. We are working hard at the state level to make that happen," said State Representative Dennis Baxley.

"The seasonal products developed by Signature Brands play a significant role in family life across America. Whether it's dying Easter eggs with PAAS products, carving Halloween pumpkins with Pumpkin Masters, or their latest venture - popping popcorn with Popcorn Expressions - these products bring families together. It's an honor to know our City plays a role in that. I've grown up in Ocala and witnessed first-hand the contributions this company has made to our community all of my life. They are great corporate citizens, and we look forward to their continued growth and success," said Randy Ewers, Mayor, City of Ocala.

"Signature Brands is a portrait of the American entrepreneur spirit. A simple idea with humble beginnings can grow to become a household name. It has been an honor for the EDC to work with Signature Brands through several expansion projects. They are the proven economic model that confirms public and private sector investments provide a valuable return for the community," said Pete Tesch, President/CEO, Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation.

"The history and success of Signature Brands is a great source of pride for Marion County. It's gratifying to see their products on shelves across the nation and know that our community plays a vital role in the process. We congratulate Jim and his team on this new venture and look forward to their continued growth," said Stan McClain, Chairman, Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

"Since the acquisition of Popcorn Expressions, we've begun producing decorative tins for other holidays, including Halloween and Easter, and we're now introducing a smaller size for everyday snacking," said Nando Zucchi, senior vice president of marketing, Signature Brands. "We are thrilled to expand our capacity through this new facility."

The Hero Group out of Lenzburg, Switzerland, purchased Signature Brands in 1987. Dr. Arend Oetker, owner of Hero, and Stefan Heidenreich, CEO of The Hero Group, along with Jim Schneider, president and chief executive officer of Hero North America, attended the grand opening celebration.

"We are thrilled to continue to help drive the economy in Ocala and Marion County," said Schneider. "During our peak production periods the plant will be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, popping and packaging corn. At those times, we'll have more than 250 employees in the facility shipping between 100 and 150 truckloads daily."