LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More economic development is headed to west Louisville.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced woman-owned and Nevada-based Stellar Snacks will invest $137 million and create 350 new jobs over the next 10 years when they bring a new pretzel bakery to Dixie Highway.
A news conference announcing the project was held at the former Black Leaf Chemical site which was identified by the EPA as a cleanup site in 2013.
Beshear assured people remediation measures have been taken care of and any food coming will be safe and delicious to eat.
“Not only are we getting a growth-minded company that is creating hundreds of quality jobs in the area, but a company with leaders who truly want to engrain themselves in this wonderful community for years to come. Stellar Snacks is a perfect fit in so many ways, and I cannot wait to see the company grow and prosper here well into the future,” Beshear said.
The investment is being touted as the single and largest economic development project Kentucky has on record for west Louisville during the last 20 years.
The news of Stellar Snacks’ arrival was welcome news after west Louisville has seen a slew of recent investments including Norton’s anticipated hospital on West Broadway set to open in late 2024.
“It’s a breath of fresh air, and I hope other companies are following suit,” Councilman Phillip Baker, D-6, said.
Stellar Snacks was founded in 2019 by mother-daughter duo Elisabeth and Gina Galvin.
"[My mom] is the type of woman who leads the way and makes room for the next women to follow,” Gina Galvin said.
The company specializes in vegan products like pretzels and roasted nuts. Their products can be found in more than 5,000 stores across the nation, and they are also offered on Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines during in-flight snack service.
“We have been hunting for the perfect place for a few years now to find the perfect location. I personally fell in the love the minute I put my feet downtown and met so many wonderful people,” Elisabeth Galvin said.
Many of their products are sold online and feature flavors such as “Simply Stellar”, “Maui Monk”, Bold & Herby”, and “Sweet & Sparky.”
Hiring for the jobs is expected to begin in March 2024 with a job fair for early hires and training in December. A location has not been announced.
The company has promised to prioritize hiring West Louisvillians for the 350 new jobs.
"High quality, high paying jobs come to West Louisville so that everyone in our city and our state have an opportunity to succeed and to leave legacy and wealth for their families,” Pastor Tim Findley Jr. said.
They are expecting the starting pay for these jobs to be $30 an hour.
Construction on the 434,000-square-foot facility is set to begin also in March 2024 with rollout of the first products at the location in September 2024.
For more information on Stellar Snacks, click here.
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