Kerry Group is investing $125 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia, representing its “largest-ever capital expenditure investment.”

Construction of the expanded facility will begin immediately, and the project is expected to be completed by early 2021.

The expansion will reportedly double the production capacity at the existing site, and will help the company meet growing consumer demand in the poultry and seafood markets.

Gerry Behan, CEO of Kerry Taste & Nutrition, North America, said: “North America is our largest market, and as such it is fitting that it is here that we announce our largest-ever capital expenditure investment.

“This new Georgia facility will be one of the most advanced and modern food manufacturing facilities in the world to support our customers as they produce tasty and nutritious food products, which will be consumed all across the US and Canada.

“This type of world-class facility allows us to co-create with our customers to produce tasty and nutritious food products that meet changing consumer demand.”

Pat Wilson, commissioner at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, added: “We want to congratulate Kerry Group whose current expansion in Rome underscores the importance of the state’s relationship with Ireland.

“Economic development is based on those relationships. I am grateful to Ireland’s Consular General Shane Stephens and our area economic development partners for making opportunities like these possible.”