The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, a global name in Asian sauces and condiments, will invest up to $288 million in a new manufacturing facility in LaGrange, creating up to 267 jobs in Troup County over the next several years.
The facility will produce Asian sauces and condiments to support the company’s future growth in the Americas.
“Food processing has long played an important role in Georgia’s diverse economy. That makes it exciting when a company like Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, with products that have been in Georgia’s restaurants, grocery stores, and homes for years, decides to locate in our state,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “International companies continue to find success in Georgia because of long-term state and community planning like the Georgia International Business Park. Since opening just five years ago, it is now home to more than 41 international companies representing 18 countries. LaGrange and Troup County’s foresight is paying dividends for their community, and we congratulate them on their success.”
Established in 1888, Lee Kum Kee® is an international household brand of authentic Asian sauces and condiments. Currently, the company offers a wide range of products in the U.S. market, including oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili sauce, and sriracha mayo. The company has been serving the North and South American markets since the 1930s.
“For Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, this represents an exciting milestone in our commitment to serve the growing demand for Asian cuisines in the Americas,” said Jet Jing, CEO of Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group. “We are dedicated to providing high-quality authentic Asian sauces and condiments for superior culinary experiences. With the new facility in LaGrange, we will be able to increase our production capacity and efficiency, ensuring that our products continue to reach homes, restaurants, and stores across the region.”
Simon Wu, President – Americas, Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and support from Georgia and the local community. “We look forward to creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy,” he remarked.
Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group’s new facility will be located at the Georgia International Business Park (GIBP) in LaGrange. As the company’s second production base in the United States, it will feature intelligent factory solutions, digitalization, product innovation and R&D capabilities, and a consumer engagement center, providing enhanced culinary experiences. The new facility will create job opportunities in production, warehouse, engineering, food science, quality assurance, R&D, and administrative positions for the local community. Job openings will be posted by the company as they become available.
“We are so pleased to welcome Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group into our ever-growing international family in LaGrange and Troup County,” said T. Scott Malone, President of the Development Authority of LaGrange. “This project, led by Kelley Bush, Director of Workforce Development and Existing Industry for the Development Authority of LaGrange, was strategically targeted by our team to support our diverse industry base. Excellent infrastructure and a well-established logistics network along with innovative workforce development programs were key drivers to the final decision.”
Director of Southeast Asian Investment Stella Xu represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on these competitive projects in partnership with the Development Authority of LaGrange, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.
About Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group
Lee Kum Kee was established in 1888 when its founder, Lee Kum Sheung, created his oyster sauce. With an over 135-year history, Lee Kum Kee has become an international household name. Today, it offers more than 300 types of sauces and condiments in over 100 countries and regions. Visit Lee Kum Kee Sauce Group’s website for more information: corporate.lkk.com/en.
