Cybros The Sprouted Bakehouse president and chief executive officer Jenny Marino today announced that the company has reached a tentative agreement with the City of Milwaukee to expand the bakery’s business by building a new, $1.5 million facility in the city-owned Menomonee Valley Industrial Center.
The new 20,000-square-foot bakery will allow Sprouted Bakehouse to bring 25 jobs into the city and potentially create up to 100 jobs in the long term. Under a proposal being considered by the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp., Sprouted Bakehouse will purchase 1.89 acres of land from the City of Milwaukee to build the new facility.
Sprouted Bakehouse currently operates a bakery in Waukesha. The new Milwaukee building will increase the size of the company’s baking production space by 400 percent and increase its overall capacity by 800 percent. Eventually, the new structure could be expanded up to 40,000 square feet of production and bakery space, Marino said.
“Milwaukee is our home, and with its long history of quality, artisan products, this location is the perfect fit for our growing company,” said Marino, whose husband, James, is executive vice president and chief operating officer of the family-run company. “The ability to attract workers who can help us expand our efforts to bring our product to more markets as we move forward is very appealing. I’m especially pleased the City has worked cooperatively with us to let us know we are welcome here, and I am encouraged by our discussions with MEDC officials.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett praised Marino’s decision and said it reflects her commitment to the strength and prosperity of Milwaukee.
“The Marino family understands that Milwaukee is a great place with great workers and great business opportunities,” Barrett said. “We’re proud they want to be part of the growing Menomonee Valley Industrial Center. They will join many outstanding companies who are located there and find that Milwaukee and the Menomonee River Valley are great places to work.”
Under the proposal, the facility cost anticipates low interest financing from the MEDC on a second mortgage in combination with conventional bank financing on a first mortgage. The plan also includes the same financing structure for equipment costs.
Jenny Marino noted that Americans have significantly increased their consumption of whole grain products and the company expects continued growth in its premium whole grain product line in the decade ahead. She added that the new facility allows for rapid expansion of current and new products, as well as new distribution channels.
“The expansion of Sprouted Bakehouse comes at a time when more and more Americans are paying increased attention to a nutritious diet,” Marino said. “Our unique product plays an important role in the diets and food lifestyles of many people. Besides tasting great, it has wonderful benefits to people who want to lead healthy lifestyles. This is an exciting opportunity for our family owned business, and we are pleased to be bringing it to Milwaukee.
