|
|
|
Marketplace
|
|
Sections
|
|
Customer Service
|
|
 |
|
Campbell Soup-Paris steps up to the plate
Staff Report
Published May 29, 2009
Congratulations are in order for the Campbell Soup-Paris Plant workforce for again stepping up to the plate and hitting a grand slam for Paris.
The first bottles of Campbell’s popular V-8 V-Fusion line of juices should roll off the assembly line in mid-August following a $47 million investment by the Camden, N.J.-based international company that first located in Paris in 1964. The plant will produce all popular Campbell bottled juices, including V-8 and tomato juice products.
The new beverage line represents a 20 percent increase in local production; something Mike Winkler (vice president - manufacturing Paris, South Plainfield and Milwaukee operations) said is an important addition, one vital to Paris as the local plant improves its competitiveness.
“The Paris plant addition reduces company transportation costs and meets consumer demand for V-8 products across our network,” Winkler said during a recent interview. The Paris plant manufactures products for the company’s Southwest Region, which encompasses 11 states.
It’s good for Paris that company officials recognize not only the current Paris workforce capabilities, but also view Paris as a good place to make investments, which has not always been the case.
In making the juice line announcement in October 2008, David Biegger of Philadelphia, vice president, North American Supply Chain-Soup, Sauces and Beverages, recognized improved efforts by Paris plant leadership and employees to be competitive.
“Frankly, we would not have put this line here two years ago,” Biegger said in October. “But in the last year, this plant made so much progress it opened the door to locate the juice line in Paris.”
That says volumes about the capabilities and the competitiveness of the local workforce along with support from community leaders. At the time, Biegger also recognized “the great community support” he said is obvious in Paris.
In the coming months, look for local industries to team with Paris Junior College, the Texas Workforce Commission and Paris Economic Development Corporation to set up a electro-mechanical training program to enhance workforce skills needed at all our major industries.
“We can all work together to improve our employees’ capabilities, which will in turn benefit the local region,” Winkler said.
An abundance of natural resources teamed with excellent schools and a business friendly environment; the on-going collaboration among education, business and industrial leaders; and, an improved transportation systems leading to the region should set the stage for continued economic growth and many home runs in the future for the home team.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Letter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
