Kettle & Fire, the Texas-based bone broth company, opened its first self-manufacturing facility in Lancaster this week.
The state-of-the-art facility will allow the company to unlock operational efficiencies, meet growing customer demand and deliver a high level of service to consumers, the company said. Called KettleWorks, the facility is a 167,000-square-foot facility located in an area with a thriving manufacturing environment, a highly qualified labor pool and efficiencies in terms of logistics, officials said. Kettle & Fire products will be made at the facility allowing the company to control ingredients, quality checks and standards.
“Opening KettleWorks marks a significant milestone in our company’s history,” Brian Hack, CEO of Kettle & Fire, said. “Self-manufacturing is one of the most important steps an emerging brand can take to ensure consistent service for its customers and improve its ability to partner with retailers, distributors, and other partners. By opening KettleWorks, we unlock significant capabilities which will enable us to deliver higher service levels and quality.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro applauded the company during a ribbon cutting on May 14.
“When a fast-growing company like Kettle & Fire chooses to build its first manufacturing facility right here in Pennsylvania, it shows that our Commonwealth has what it takes to compete and win in today’s economy,” Shapiro said. “From day one, my Administration has been focused on creating jobs, strengthening our agriculture and manufacturing sectors, and making Pennsylvania the best place to live, work, and grow a business — and this announcement is proof that our strategy is working.
Kettle & Fire received a funding proposal from the state that includes a $4 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan and a $40,000 WEDnetPA grant to train workers.
The company said consumer demand for healthier products, including bone broth, are reflected in the bone broth’s $300 million market. At current growth rates, officials said, the industry is expected to double in the next few years.
“In the decade since we first introduced Kettle & Fire, we’ve seen exciting changes in the bone broth and broth category,” Justin Mares, co-founder of Kettle & Fire, said. “More than ever, consumers are taking their health into their own hands and looking for options they can trust to be part of that journey. Because health is in our bones, Kettle & Fire has been a trusted partner for health and wellness seekers since day one. Now, by owning and operating our production facility, we can continue to position the brand for strong growth while delivering products to nourish our consumers.”