Chicken of the Sea International of San Diego on Monday announced plans to return tuna canning to the United States. The company will invest USD 20 million (EUR 15 million) in a 200,000-square-foot canning operation in Lyons, Ga.
The facility will create 200 jobs, with operations set to start in October. Employees will process frozen tuna loins into canned tuna for distribution throughout the United States.
"State and local officials in Lyons presented us with a tremendous opportunity that ensures our ability to compete in the marketplace for the long term," said Shue Wing Chan, Chicken of the Sea president. "The state of Georgia provided a business development package that makes for a smooth transition."
Chicken of the Sea parent company Thai Union International of San Diego ranked No. 4 on SeaFood Business' annual Top 25 North American seafood suppliers list with USD 820 million (EUR 611 million) in sales in 2008.
