A Japan-based company will expand in Orem over the next three years, adding 140 jobs in Orem.
Saraya USA Inc., doing business as Lakanto, will open a manufacturing and distribution operation at a leased 133,000-square-foot building under construction in Orem and expects to move in in June.
The $25 million project will feature production of the company’s sweetener and related products starting in October. The Orem facility will be the company’s first sweetener factory in the United States. The company currently has 80 Utah employees, primarily in sales and marketing.
Founded in 1952 with its headquarters in Osaka, Japan, the company produces granola and other health-food products and sweeteners containing monk fruit, a non-glycemic natural sweetener. Saraya also makes hygiene products and personal protective equipment.
“We looked all over the country for the best location, including Kentucky and California, where some of our divisions already operate,” Adam Klimkowski, Saraya general manager of international, said in a prepared statement. “We have had a positive experience with Utah’s workforce since 2015, and we were attracted by the strength of Utah’s health and wellness industry. Utah offers a strong base of suppliers and talent for us in a domestic market that is growing fast.”
The project was announced jointly by the company, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), the city of Orem and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
“We first connected with Saraya USA Inc. at the SelectUSA foreign direct investment conference in 2018,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Manufacturing continues to be a strong sector for us in the last 12 months, and we welcome the added diversification the company brings to our economy.”
“We welcome Saraya to our food processing industry,” said Daniel Hemmert, GOED’s executive director. “We’re confident that Utah’s capabilities in importing, exporting and logistics will help the company maintain and increase its growth trajectory.”
Jamie Davidson, Orem’s city manager, said the city is excited for the diversity the company brings and adds to the city’s business base.
“With a worldwide presence already, we look forward to helping Saraya grow and prosper in Orem while taking advantage of the city’s talented workforce already in tune with the cultures the company serves,” Davidson said.
Jake Berlin, business development manager (emeritus), and Colby Cooley, vice president of business development, led this project for EDCUtah. Jarrod Hunt of Colliers in Salt Lake City provided real estate services to the company.