Pure Foods, a specialty snack company, celebrated the opening of its global headquarters and primary manufacturing location in Kingsport, TN, on Friday, Jan. 29. A number of state and regional dignitaries participated in the event, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.

The Kingsport facility represents a $22 million investment in the community, including $15.5 million in equipment and $6.5 million in the building and land–35 acres in all, with room to grow. Initial hiring projections are 50 to 75 employees in the first year in management, production, and research and development. Over a five-year span, that number may expand to approximately 275 employees, according to the company.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Pure Foods with the opening of this flagship venue,” says John Frostad, president and CEO. “This is a one-of-a-kind facility, built to handle novel ingredients and deliver smart, delicious snacks. We look forward to the opportunities this location affords us for providing healthier snack choices to North American consumers.”

As part of the celebration, Pure Foods also announced the acquisition, under license, of the Guiltless Gourmet brand of baked tortilla chips from the Manischewitz Co., Newark, NJ. Effective Jan. 1, the deal complements Pure Foods’ family of gluten-free, non-GMO verified snacks.

“There’s a sizeable and rapidly evolving market for healthier, nutrient-dense snacks,” says Frostad. “It’s exciting to know that in Kingsport, we have a versatile facility that meets this growing demand and equips us to look ahead to future trends. We are delighted that our operations are now at home in such a welcoming regions, and we look forward to continued growth and success.”