PHOENIX—Leclerc Foods USA, a North American cookie, snack bar and cracker manufacturer, announces the acquisition of a 166,500-square-foot building in the Freeport Business Center for expansion of its operations in Phoenix. The building is located at 440 S. 51st. Ave. 

Resulting from an investment of nearly $50 million over a three to five year period, this latest addition to the U.S. footprint of based Leclerc Foods USA will generate up to 100 new jobs.

"This acquisition fits our business vision and corporate development strategy. It will allow us to position ourselves near our U.S. clients as well as hone in on food trends in the U.S. West Coast," says Denis Leclerc, president of Leclerc Foods USA.

Among other features, the Quebec-based company's sixth plant will be equipped with a brand new production line for nutritional bars and is designed to offer consumers a full selection of organic and GMO-free products, allowing Leclerc Foods USA to accelerate their development.

This acquisition represents growth potential that will enable Leclerc Foods USA to set up strategic locations in order to more easily serve markets such as the U.S. West Coast, Mexico and South America. "Not only are we increasing our production capacity, but we will also achieve substantial savings on transportation costs by being closer to key markets," explains Leclerc.

 "We are committed to providing a great environment for business and business expansion in Phoenix," says Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton. "We are proud to welcome our Canadian friends at Leclerc Foods who have chosen our city to expand their manufacturing operations."