Following approval of an economic development agreement with the city of Burleson at its Oct. 2 city council meeting, McLane Classic Foods announced it will be relocating from Fort Worth to Burleson.
McLane Classic Foods, a part of the McLane Group, specializes in manufacturing custom developed and prepared soups, sauces and side dishes for national restaurant chains, including Potbelly Sandwich Shops, Denny’s, Panera Bread and Logan’s Roadhouse. It has been located in Fort Worth since 1992 at 629 Mony St.
The Burleson. City Council approved a Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zone and an economic development performance agreement during their Oct. 2 meeting. That paved the way for development of the 150,000-square-foot facility in Burleson’s HighPoint Business Park East, located along Interstate 35W.
“I could not be more excited about the McLane Group and McLane Classic Foods coming to Burleson,” said Mayor Ken Shetter. “Of course they will add a significant number of quality jobs and economic investment, but even more important, their corporate values align perfectly with our community. I know they are going to make a great partner in our efforts to expand higher education opportunities and in many other endeavors that make Burleson a great place to live, learn work and play. I would like to offer my thanks to the McLane team and our Economic Development team who worked closely together to form this partnership very quickly. It’s another great day for Burleson.”
McLane Classic Foods, a part of Temple-based McLane Group, specializes in manufacturing custom developed and prepared soups, sauces and side dishes for national restaurant chains, including Potbelly Sandwich Shops, Denny’s, Panera Bread and Logan’s Roadhouse.
“From our very first meeting, Alex Phillips and the Burleson EDC team along with Mayor Shetter and the city staff have shown quick action on every assignment and request they committed to,” said Drayton McLane III from the McLane Group. “Their hustle and enthusiasm were very impressive and showed their motivation to make this deal happen. We are very happy with this agreement and feel it is a fair deal for both sides. The people of Burleson should feel very fortunate to have such capable people working on their behalf to develop the city.”
McLane Classic Foods will be relocating 40 jobs to the Burleson community and will make $30 million in capital investment in the project. The project is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2018 with plans to open a year later.
“Our team is extremely excited to be able to welcome the McLane Group and McLane Classic Foods to their new home here in Burleson,” said Alex Philips, Burleson economic development manager. “From the first meeting with McLane Classic Foods, we knew that they would be a great fit for Burleson as they pride themselves on customer service and being a part of the community.”
Burleson has started to bite out a niche in the food manufacturing industry. Chicken E Food Service located its 90,000 square-foot headquarters and distribution plant at Burleson’s HighPoint Business Park. Later this year, Hayes & Stolz Mfg. Co., a longtime Fort Worth company, who specializes in the manufacturing of industrial equipment used in the food manufacturing industry will open their doors to a 144,000 square-feet facility. McLane Classic Foods will be the first company to break ground in HighPoint Business Park East.
“We are extremely excited about making Burleson the new home of McLane Classic Foods,” said Chris Horan, McLane Classic Foods CEO. “It didn’t take us long to determine that Burleson was where we wanted to be and, equally important, Burleson wanted McLane Classic Foods. There are so many exciting things happening in Burleson and I think many of our current and future employees will find it to be a wonderful community to live and raise a family.”