Materne North America—the makers of GoGo squeeZ Applesauce On the Go—plans to make an $85 million investment in a new food processing facility that will create a minimum of 230 new jobs in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The new state-of-the-art facility—the company’s second U.S. location—will be housed at a site formerly owned by Micron Technology Inc., at 906 East Karcher in Nampa, which has been vacant since 2007.
“Materne is committed to helping on-the-go families make healthy choices,” said Michel Larroche, CEO of Materne/GoGo squeeZ. “As we grow the GoGo squeeZ brand in North America, I am delighted that we have found a home in Nampa, Idaho, where our vision can continue to be realized and we can expand our wholesome snack offerings throughout the U.S.”
In the U.S., GoGo squeeZ is the leading squeezable, re-sealable applesauce in a pouch. GoGo squeeZ products are 100% fruit, all-natural snacks. Originally founded in France where it is known as Pom’Potes, GoGo squeeZ launched in the U.S. in June 2008 and opened its facility in Traverse City, Mich., in 2011. The company’s products are sold in more than 50,000 locations nationwide.
“On behalf of the state of Idaho, I’m proud to welcome Materne North America to the Treasure Valley,” Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said. “Idaho is becoming a national leader in food processing, and we are thrilled to welcome a new employer with such a stellar reputation to our state. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship for everyone involved.”
Added Nampa Mayor Bob Henry, “This is great news for the city of Nampa and the Treasure Valley. And it’s an excellent example of local and state governments working together to boost Idaho’s economy. I’m very proud of Economic Development Director Beth Ineck who played the key role in Nampa to make this happen. On a personal note, my grandchildren love GoGo squeeZ. We have it in the pantry all the time.”
The Canyon County Board of County Commissioners released a statement, “Today’s announcement is wonderful news for Canyon County. Materne North America is a strong company with a growing reputation and we couldn’t be happier with their decision to invest in a new state-of-the-art facility that will bring hundreds of good jobs to the area. And when you couple it with Canyon County’s already strong agricultural economy, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
In Nampa, Materne/GoGo squeeZ says it found the right mix of access to quality fruits, a skilled workforce, facility and property specifications as well as a partnership with the area community. This month a full engineering and design review will commence, then the facility will be retrofitted as a FDA-level food production facility. Demolition and construction will begin soon afterward and is expected to continue into the third quarter. Trial runs on the first two production lines are expected to be held by year’s end. When at full capacity the Nampa plant is expected to produce 60 percent of GoGo squeeZ’s base line U.S. products.
