Lassonde Pappas Commits to $200 million Expansion in Cumberland County
MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY. (October 14, 2024) – Lassonde Pappas, located in Upper Deerfield, unveiled a proposal for expanding its existing distribution building and investing $200 million to construct a new, 200,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art beverage production facility adjacent to its current site. The project will retain 200 jobs provided by the long-time Cumberland County drink-based manufacturer. The project also includes an expansion of its existing 86,350 square-foot distribution building.
Lassonde Industries is a leader in the food and beverage sector in North America. The Upper Deerfield plant is one of 19 plants located in Canada and the United States. The company has a long history as a community partner and primary employer in Upper Deerfield Township. The expansion will stabilize and upskill the workforce and strengthen the regional economy.
Jerry Velazquez, President and CEO of The Authority, which marshalled state, local and regional agencies and resources to retain Lassonde stated, “Mayor Crilley and Upper Deerfield had the development tools and partnerships in place to provide an exceptional development package to benefit both the company and the community. It is always satisfying to lead a collaboration of key stakeholders, all joined with a singular goal of securing prosperity for Cumberland County. The result of this collective effort is the retention of a legacy industry and family-sustaining jobs for the community.”
The new production facility site is shovel-ready, with a redevelopment designation, and key infrastructure, including rail service by OmniTRAX.
“Great partnerships are essential to economic development. We applaud The Authority of its collaborative work with state and local leaders to retain 200 quality jobs with a legacy company while securing a $200 million business investment in New Jersey,” said OmniTRAX Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Higgins. “Shared success is the foundation of a strong partnership and OmniTRAX is excited to continue to partner with Lassonde Pappas and The Authority to support this infrastructure solution. The Winchester and Western Railroad provides a strategic advantage for new and expanding industrial projects in New Jersey and this project is a great example of its true power and reach.”
In addition to its environmental related initiatives, The Authority is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of Cumberland County and the state of New Jersey. The Authority works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen County Commissioners to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.