LANCASTER, PA. — Stir Foods Lancaster, LLC, a custom manufacturer of soups, sauces, dressings, and fresh salsas for retail, industrial, and foodservice customers, has announced plans to invest more than $4 million to expand its 100,000-square-foot Lancaster manufacturing location.

As part of the expansion, Stir Foods will add new machinery and equipment, and will significantly increase production, while enhancing food safety and product quality. The expansion project will result in the need for a second shift and will triple existing employment, leading to the creation of at least 100 new full-time jobs over the next three years, the company said.

“We plan to invest in Lancaster to grow the facility into one of our ‘flagship’ locations and appreciate the support that the state of Pennsylvania has offered us,” said Milt Liu, chief executive officer of Stir Foods.

Private equity firm Wind Point Partners and its portfolio company Stir Foods acquired Lancaster Fine Foods, Inc. in March. At that time, Mr. Liu said the company’s plan was to expand the Lancaster facility. He also said the acquisition was expected to broaden Stir Foods’ footprint on the East Coast by combining Lancaster’s operations with Stir Foods’ manufacturing plant in Toronto. Stir Foods is a custom manufacturer of soups, sauces, dressings, and fresh salsas for retail, industrial and foodservice customers.

“We’re thrilled Stir Foods is investing in Lancaster County and applaud its commitment to the existing workforce, while also setting the stage for strong future growth,” said Lisa Riggs, president, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County. “The combination of Stir Foods and the commonwealth’s investment in machinery and equipment plus workforce training puts the company in the driver’s seat to leverage consumer interest in custom food products.”

Stir Foods said it received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $300,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $150,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers.

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.