French beverage company picks Pasco for $111 million plant

French beverage company Monin has selected Pasco County for a manufacturing and distribution facility, which is expected to cost more than $111 million, after evaluating 10 sites across four states.

Monin plans to purchase 70 acres in the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park and hire more than 100 employees during the project’s first phase. The company cited the area’s workforce, site readiness and proximity to its Clearwater operation in choosing the site.

“This decision was the result of a disciplined process,” Chief Financial Officer Greg Grabau said in a statement. “We assessed 10 candidate sites across four states before Zephyrhills rose to the top on labor availability, site readiness, and long-term manufacturing potential.”

Founded in 1912 in Bourges, France, Monin manufactures beverage flavorings and culinary products sold in more than 160 countries. The company operates production facilities in Europe, Asia, North America and South America.

The Zephyrhills City Council approved an incentive package worth up to $3.29 million tied to the project. The agreement includes transportation impact fee and permit fee reimbursements, along with property tax rebates over 10 years, in exchange for creating at least 100 full-time jobs with average annual wages of $46,760.

Pasco Economic Development Council estimates construction will generate $148.4 million in economic output and 564 job-years. Once the plant opens, the project is expected to support 173 jobs and generate $53.9 million in annual economic output.