(Photo from Reybern Foods on Facebook)
Raybern Foods, a producer of heat-and-serve, deli-style sandwiches, is expanding its operations in Shannon with a $7.1 million investment that is expected to create 70 jobs.
The expansion is being driven by increased demand for the company’s sandwich products and new customer contracts. As part of the project, Raybern Foods is purchasing equipment to add new sandwich production lines and increase its production capacity.
“Mississippi is a place where food manufacturers can enjoy long-term success, and Raybern Foods is proving it,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “For more than a decade, the company has been an important part of Lee County’s business community, and this latest expansion shows the company sees even more opportunity in Mississippi. Seventy new jobs and increased production capacity are the direct result of the environment we’ve created for businesses that are ready to grow.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the project through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Lee County also is assisting with the expansion.
“When Mississippi companies are ready to grow, Mississippi is ready to help them move,” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said. “Raybern Foods has built a strong operation in Shannon, and rising demand is driving this $7.1 million investment and 70 new jobs. That’s the kind of growth we want — and are experiencing — across Mississippi. When an existing employer is selling more and ready to reinvest right here at home, we move quickly to help make it happen.”
Founded in California in 1978, Raybern Foods expanded its operations to Shannon in 2015. The company produces more than a dozen varieties of frozen and refrigerated sandwiches that are sold in stores nationwide.
Raybern Foods Senior Director of Business Development Doug Hall said the expansion will allow the company to meet growing demand while creating additional employment opportunities in the area.
“Raybern Foods is proud to continue growing our operations in Shannon and investing in the community we have called home for more than a decade,” Hall said. “This expansion will allow us to increase production capacity to meet growing demand for our products while creating new opportunities for workers in the area. We appreciate the support of the Mississippi Development Authority and Lee County as we continue to grow our business in Mississippi.”
Lee County Board of Supervisors President Barry Parker said the county appreciates Raybern Foods’ continued investment in the community.
“Raybern Foods has been a valued part of Lee County for many years, and we’re excited to see them continue to grow here in Shannon,” Parker said. “We appreciate their investment in Lee County and their continued commitment to our community.”
The expansion adds to Raybern Foods’ more than decade-long presence in Shannon and is expected to strengthen the company’s manufacturing operations while bringing additional jobs to the area.
For more information about Raybern Foods and its products, visit rayberns.com.