South Korean company SPC Group, the parent of a fast-growing French bakery concept, is building a 267,000-square-foot production facility in Burleson as it makes a big push into North America. 

Paris Baguette’s parent company said the warehouse and manufacturing plant will bring an expected $165 million investment and create 450 new jobs. The production facility will be located on Vantage Drive in Highpoint Business Park.

“SPC Group’s investment in this project is a great win for our city and is the culmination not only of months of tireless effort on behalf of our fine economic development staff, but also of the ongoing goal of our council leadership to bring commercial investment into our city, broadening our economic base along with providing opportunities of jobs for our citizens,” said Dan McClendon, Burleson’s mayor pro tem and president of its Economic Development Corporation in a release. 

The city of Burleson and Johnson County are contributing approximately $10 million in tax breaks in support of SPC Group’s plans. This project is a key step in SPC Group’s ambitious plan to expand its presence across North America.

As SPC Group’s first food manufacturing plant in North America, the facility will replace the company’s reliance on frozen dough imports from Korea and China, enabling faster distribution and fresher products, according to the company. The Burleson location will also lay the groundwork for SPC Group’s future expansion into Latin America, the company said in a release. SPC Group recently realigned its management group to focus on overseas growth. 

Paris Baguette is known for its fresh pastries, sandwiches and cakes. In 2016, Paris Baguette ruffled the baking world’s toques by winning the prestigious Coupe du Monde de Boulangerie. 

The franchise has rapidly grown its footprint in North America, with 210 stores currently operating and 57 of those opening last year. There are a few in the North Texas area and more on the way. There are none at present in Fort Worth proper, but that is expected to change soon, according to local franchisee operators.

“From a capital investment and jobs standpoint, this is a massive win for the city of Burleson and Johnson County,” said Alex Philips, economic development director for the city of Burleson when speaking before the Johnson County Commissioners Court meeting on Jan. 27. 

Philips noted that when SPC Group first showed up, economic development officials borrowed a van from the Baptist church to tour the area.

“It’s a team effort,” he said.

The site will also serve as a hub for SPC Group’s subsidiary, Samlip, which specializes in mass-produced bread. 

The Highpoint Business Park is also home to McLane Classic Foods, which operates out of a 150,000-square-foot facility.

 Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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