Starbucks Augusta, Ga., Plant to Nearly Double in Size

Starbucks is about to start a $120 million expansion of it Augusta, Ga., "solubles plant," which roasts beans and makes the primary ingredient for the company's Via Instant coffee and the coffee base for Frappuccino blended beverages. The expansion will nearly double the size of the operation and create up to 100 new jobs.

The work will add 140,000 sq. ft. to the current 180,000-sq.-ft. plant, will get underway this summer and should be completed in fall 2019. The plant currently employs 185.

The expansion will add six whole bean roasters, allowing the plant to support Starbucks stores and retail locations in the Northeast and Southeast U.S. The plant was built in July 2012 and is the first company-owned facility in the world to produce Starbucks soluble products.

Stellar, a Jacksonville, Fla., design, engineering and construction firm, will oversee building and process engineering, construction management and process equipment management for the project.