5 Generation Bakers (5GB), manufacturer of Jenny Lee all-natural, thaw and sell cinnamon swirl breads, recently closed on the purchase of a new headquarters building in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, a suburb close to Pittsburgh. The 21,000 square foot building, a former supermarket site and just three years old, is located at 110 Chartiers Avenue, just a few miles from their current bakery.

A ground breaking ceremony, including local politicians and financiers who worked to keep the facility in McKees Rocks, was held on October 20. Production is anticipated to move to the new facility in April of 2016.

“Remaining in McKees Rocks was vital as it permits us to grow with our trained and dedicated staff already in place,” said Scott Baker, president and founder of 5GB.  “We’re excited to stay here.  My family has had roots here for generations, so it was important to me to remain committed to this area and our current work force.”

In addition, the building was built with sanitation as a prime concern, according to Baker. “Aside from allowing easier improvement on our A.I.B. ‘Superior’ rating, the building will allow for more streamlined production and efficient processes. High ceilings, for instance, permit optimal equipment acquisition and placement.”

The new facility, featuring load-level truck docks, will provide nearly three times the production area, double the finished goods frozen storage and offer nearly 50% more office and maintenance room when compared to the old plant. “For the first time since our founding six years ago, we will be in a facility which helps us to optimize our production resulting not only in greater efficiency, but in enhanced quality assurance, while maintaining our small-batch production tradition,” said Mr. Baker.

“Our quality is built around small-batch production. Small batches allow for better-controlled fermentation which adds unique flavor and texture characteristics. This small batch quality has been a key to our success allowing us to grow from a single customer when we started six years ago, to nearly 5,000 retail outlets today in the Eastern third of the U.S,” Baker continued. The new production area allows for the potential of over $25 million in sales.

In the Pittsburgh area, where Baker family baked goods have been a tradition since just after the Civil War, the new facility has additional advantages. With current parking for up to 55 cars, there is room not only for further expansion, but a retail outlet as well, catering to local demand for the products.