Expansions by Japanese food companies into the American market is creating hundreds of jobs, as two separate manufacturers look to move into more competitive markets.
Nippon Shokken, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of spices and sauces, plans to open its first West Coast plant and its new U.S. headquarters in West Sacramento. With the plant’s opening, the company plans to hire 400 people to fill roles including research and development, quality testing, production, accounting, executives and managers, according to CBS Sacramento.
On top of the new plant, the company is already considering expansion to the tune of $200 million that would compare to the company’s Tokyo facility, which is three or four times larger than its current size. With this expansion, hundreds more jobs will be created.
Additionally, candy maker Morinaga & Co plans to open its first plant in the United States in North Carolina, which will form 90 new jobs through 2015, according to WRAL.com. The $48 million investment will produce a fruit-flavored candy named Hi-Chew. Production jobs will pay an average of $38,000 per year with benefits included.