NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Infinity Meat Solutions, a subsidiary of Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, broke ground on its new 200,000-sq.-ft. fresh protein packaging facility project on Oct. 12. The new facility, set to open in the first half of 2020, will create more than 700 food manufacturing, supply chain and distribution jobs in Rhode Island. The plant will produce beef, ground beef, pork and prepared meats for meal solutions.
“At Retail Business Services, we're always seeking innovative solutions that enable the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA to provide fresh, quality products to their customers,” said Roger Wheeler, president of Retail Business Services. “With this facility, we're excited to enhance supply chain operations, as well as create hundreds of new jobs in Rhode Island. We appreciate the strong partnership with so many on this facility, especially the State of Rhode Island. We look forward to completing the project and opening our doors in the first half of 2020."
Cargill Protein will consult with Retail Business Services on the construction of the facility and manage the site’s operations and workforce.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Retail Business Services on this facility,” said Tom Windish, Cargill Protein’s Retail Channel president. “This new facility will deliver great-tasting, creative new meal options to grocers across the region. We look forward to being a good employer and civic partner in Rhode Island and the North Kingstown community.”
Elected officials and business leaders attended the groundbreaking, including Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo.
"With the creation of 700 new jobs and a $100 million facility in Quonset, Infinity Meat Solutions is committed to the future of Rhode Island," Raimondo said. "This groundbreaking is tangible proof that our economic development approach is working. I'm excited that construction is officially underway, and I'm already looking forward to the ribbon cutting.”
Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor added, “We are very pleased for Infinity Meat Solutions to break ground on this exciting facility, which will soon host more than 700 new Rhode Island workers. Infinity Meat Solutions had many options for where to build, but we are proud they have selected Rhode Island, joining more than 25 other companies that are landing or expanding here. We congratulate all involved and look forward to Infinity Meat Solutions’ success in our state.”