Morinaga America began operations in 2015 and experienced success in its new market, growing sales revenues and brand recognition across critical demographics. To support increased demand for its popular Hi-Chew candy across North America, the customer selected Gray to design and build a 130,000 s.f. expansion of its Mebane facility.

The brownfield project will require services from the wider Gray family of companies for equipment, engineering, and automation. The expansion will feature new production lines, exterior bulk dry and liquid storage, and extensive process piping. The facility will also offer employee welfare spaces that include break rooms, lockers, gowning areas, and a two-story office complex with conference rooms.

The facility’s hygienic design features a walkable IMP ceiling for easier maintenance, pre-mixers and vacuum cookers, and an onsite process wastewater treatment plant. The plant will also employ custom equipment designed by Gray as well as automated controls for greater precision and operational flexibility.

Gray’s efforts to solve Morinaga’s challenges through a comprehensive package of integrated professional services ultimately led the customer to accelerate the project timeline.