The Development Authority of Richmond County on Thursday approved the issuance of $30 million in tax-exempt bonds to finance the expansion at the Kellogg's bakery in south Augusta.
The bakery on Marvin Griffin Road added equipment and more than 200 jobs to produce new cookie brands.
Jim Comerford, an attorney for the company, told the authority Thursday that $5 million of new equipment has been installed and another $5 million of equipment transferred from other Kellogg's plants.
Additional "activities" will occur over the next two years, Mr. Comerford said, although the company hasn't revealed what those further expansions will involve.
Kellogg's first came to the authority in June with its announcement that it would be relocating some of its production from Charlotte, N.C.
The Augusta bakery will be making new cookie products for Kashi, Keebler and the Girl Scouts, in addition to Mother's brand, which is popular on the West Coast.
Mr. Comerford said Kellogg's would purchase its own bonds. Revenue bonds are typically sought through the development authority in order to get tax-exempt status.
The development authority also approved $4.5 million in bond financing for a nursing home that held its grand opening Thursday.
Ronnie Rollins, CEO for Macon-based Community Health Systems, said Stevens Park Health and Rehabilitation will employ 60 people and have an annual payroll of $2.5 million.
Stevens Park has 38 private rooms and six semi-private rooms.
The facility at 820 Stevens Creek Road was purchased after the state closed down the former nursing home there, which was called The Place at Augusta, Mr. Rollins said.
Reach Tim Rausch at (706) 823-3352 or timothy.rausch@augustachronicle.com.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
