SCHAR, EUROPE’S #1 IN GLUTEN-FREE FOOD, BREAKS GROUND ON FIRST U.S. MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN LOGAN TOWNSHIP

LOGAN, N.J. (Jan. 25, 2011) – At a groundbreaking event held today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno joined with Schar USA and other state and local officials to celebrate the company’s decision to locate its first U.S. manufacturing facility in New Jersey. The company, which will be graduating from the Rutgers Food Innovation Center, is a division of Italy-based Dr. Schär Srl, Europe’s leading producer of gluten-free products.

“We are thrilled that Schar USA chose New Jersey as the best location to expand its reach to the U.S. market,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “Over the last year, our Administration has improved New Jersey’s business climate, and we’re seeing a growing list of overseas companies committed to opening their doors in the Garden State because of these efforts.”

Dr. Schär Srl, based in Burgstall, Italy, has been developing and producing gluten-free products for over 30 years with the mission of improving the lives of those with celiac disease and related intolerances. The company’s comprehensive portfolio offers a range of products, including breads, rolls, pasta, cookies and crackers and frozen meals. Schar USA was incorporated in 2007 and has introduced over 32 products to the U.S. market. The company’s new, 50,000-square-foot facility in Logan Township will be gluten-free and expandable to up to 80,000 square feet based on projected company growth.  Dr. Schär plans to invest over $15 million into its new facility operation and has purchased over eight acres of land in Logan Township.  The new manufacturing facility, which will be completed by the first quarter of 2012, will also create more than 50 new jobs in the state. 

“This new state-of-the-art gluten-free facility marks yet another important step in Schar’s continued growth in the United States,” says Donna George, President and COO of Schar USA. “We will continue to introduce innovative gluten-free foods into supermarkets and health food stores across the country. As we look to become the U.S. market leader in gluten-free foods and innovation, New Jersey is a perfect location to support our national distribution and growth.”

Today’s announcement adds Schar USA to a growing list of innovative, global companies that have chosen to locate in New Jersey, including: MX Solar USA, the U.S. subsidiary of the MX Group in Italy, active in solar panel manufacturing;  Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan; Ansmann USA, Inc., a startup mobile energy company backed by Ansmann AG of Germany; and, Archimedes Pharma US, a specialty pharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom.

For more information on doing business in New Jersey, contact the Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789.