MCKEES ROCKS, PA. — 5 Generation Bakers (5GB), maker of Jenny Lee natural, thaw-and-sell cinnamon swirl bread, has purchased a new headquarters building in McKees Rocks, a suburb close to Pittsburgh. The 21,000-square-foot building is located on a former supermarket site, just a few miles from 5GB’s current bakery.
“Remaining in McKees Rocks was vital as it permits us to grow with our trained and dedicated staff already in place,” said Scott Baker, president and founder of 5GB. “We’re excited to stay here. My family has had roots here for generations, so it was important to me to remain committed to this area and our current work force.”
Mr. Baker said the three-year-old building was ideal for the new headquarters given it was built with sanitation as a prime focus.
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| Scott Baker, president and founder of 5GB |
“Aside from allowing easier improvement on our AIB ‘superior’ rating, the building will allow for more streamlined production and efficient processes,” he said. “High ceilings, for instance, permit optimal equipment acquisition and placement.”
The new facility, which features load-level truck docks, will provide nearly three times the production area, double the finished goods frozen storage and offer nearly 50% more office and maintenance room when compared to the old plant, 5GB said.
“For the first time since our founding six years ago, we will be in a facility that helps us to optimize our production, resulting not only in greater efficiency, but in enhanced quality assurance, while maintaining our small-batch production tradition,” Mr. Baker said. “Our quality is built around small-batch production. Small batches allow for better-controlled fermentation, which adds unique flavor and texture characteristics. This small batch quality has been a key to our success allowing us to grow from a single customer when we started six years ago, to nearly 5,000 retail outlets today in the Eastern third of the U.S.”
5GB said the new production area gives it the potential to generate more than $25 million in annual sales. The facility also has additional room for expansion.
5GB will hold a ground breaking ceremony on Oct. 20, and production is expected to begin at the new facility in April 2016.
Founded in 2009, 5GB’s product line consists of gourmet cinnamon swirl bread, including Cinnamon Swirl, Raisin Cinnamon Swirl, Honey Whole Wheat Cinnamon Swirl and Apple Cinnamon Swirl. They also produce seasonal varieties of Cranberry Cinnamon Swirl, Pumpkin Nut Cinnamon Swirl, Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Swirl and Rum Raisin Cinnamon Swirl.
