Zobele USA Inc. and the City of Garland have partnered on a $30 million expansion project. The company produces laundry and fabric care products in Garland, and represents one of the city’s target cluster industries: plastic and chemical production. They opened in Garland in 2018.
Zobele is now significantly expanding their operations at Regency Crest Lane to increase manufacturing capabilities in support of two new product lines and an additional packing line. Each new line will be able to produce up to 2,500 kilograms per hour of detergent, translating to an additional 34 million bottles per year.
“We are very excited and determined for the expansion to our Garland plant location, and we are looking forward to what the future holds for Zobele,” said Ken Sundstrom, Financial Controller of Zobele. “We greatly appreciate the City’s partnership and involvement with us on this project.”
The first phase of the $30 million project began in summer 2021. This initial $9 million investment includes a 76,000 square feet real estate expansion in addition to the current 165,000-square-foot leased building.
The second phase, set to begin in 2022, adds two new production lines and one new packing line. About $18 million will be invested in new machinery and equipment, and production capacity is expected to double with these additions.
To accommodate the increased production, about 150 jobs will be created, with positions ranging from operations and administration, to engineering. Various improvements to the building are also planned – such as floor and lighting upgrades and modernized equipment – as well as renovated common areas for staff. For example, the current breakroom will be expanded, and a new conference space will be created.
“We are happy to assist Zobele with their major expansion project. We hope to continue our relationship with this member of Garland’s industrial manufacturing community, while supporting its talent development efforts,” said Ayako Schuster, Director of Garland Economic Development.