Niagara Bottling LLC will open yet another bottled water plant, this time in Louisiana.
The Diamond Bar, Calif.-based company has built a network of plants in recent years as bottled water has become the most widely consumed beverage in the United States.
The new facility, near Hammond in Tangipahoa Parish, has a price tag of up to $160 million and will create 70 jobs with an average annual salary of $55,000, the company said.
"Louisiana has a rich beverage manufacturing history, and Tangipahoa Parish stood out as a highly attractive partner for this project thanks to a combination of location, logistical support and potential workforce," said Niagara Executive Vice President Brian Hess in a statement.
Niagara expects to start work on the 500,000-square-foot location during the second quarter.
"We know this project will enhance Tangipahoa's economic landscape and in turn, benefit everyone in this region," Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said in a statement. "The significant investment and job creation for our citizens will make a major impact on Tangipahoa."
Incentives include a $750,000 grant through the state Economic Development Award Program for infrastructure work.
"The growth of our region's food and beverage manufacturing sector continues with the expansion of Niagara into the market, and furthers a vision for the North Shore to evolve into a logistics and distribution hub," said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. "This announcement follows an extensive multi-state search."
Niagara has grown to more than 40 locations in the United States and Mexico. The new site will be the company's first in Louisiana.
The company might be most well-known for non-carbonated bottled water, which is marketed under the Niagara brand as well as private labels. But the company also manufactures sparkling, vitamin and flavored water as well as tea, sport drinks, coffee, protein drinks and non-dairy milk products.
Along with the 70 new jobs within the facility, the company estimates another 100 indirect jobs will be created.