Japanese company, Nippon Shokken U.S.A., has begun construction of a 70,000 square foot facility, located in West Sacramento’s Southport Business Park. It will be Nippon Shokken’s first plant built in the United States. Nippon Shokken plans for the new facility to serve as its U.S. headquarters, accommodating sales and production operations. The company is a world leader in producing seasonings and sauces.  “This is a significant decision by Nippon Shokken,” said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, during the company’s groundbreaking today. “They chose West Sacramento for their United States expansion.”

West Sacramento Welcomes Nippon Shokken – West Sacramento officials celebrate Nippon Shokken’s groundbreaking of a new 70,000 square foot sales and production facility. Pictured, Nippon Shokken executives with local officials Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, Councilmember Chris Ledesma, Mayor Pro Tem Oscar Villegas, Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Nippon Shokken Chairman Kazuhiko Ozawa, Councilmember Bill Kristoff, Councilmember Mark Johannessen, and City Manager Toby Ross. The new facility is scheduled to open March 2013.

“We conducted research all around California for constructing our first seasoning plant in the United States,” said Nippon Shokken Chairman Kazuhiko Ozawa. “The City of West Sacramento proved to have the bounty of quality water, which is essential for production of seasonings and to have the utmost land of well-built infrastructure.”

           Producing such products as sauces and batter mixes, Nippon Shokken has sought to expand its presence in the U.S. since opening a branch in Los Angeles in 1988. The original facility will relocate to West Sacramento when the plant is completed next year. The company anticipates the new plant will increase its competitiveness in the U.S. The West Sacramento location will also help reinforce Nippon Shokken’s presence in markets abroad, according to company officials.

            In March 2013, Nippon Shokken expects to open the new plant with 100 employees, with a production capacity of 2,400 tons per year. The company’s goal is to add another 200 positions by 2015.

BREAKING THE CASK—To bring “good luck” to the construction of Nippon Shokken’s new headquarters facility in West Sacramento, company officials break a ceremonial cask with West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan. Pictured, Nippon Shokken Chairman Kazuhiko Ozawa (third from left), Supervisor McGowan, and Mayor Cabaldon, flanked by Nippon Shokken executives.

Build a stronger family relationship. Communicate more effectively. Cope with the challenges of teenage years. Announcing the Parent-Teen Workshop Series! Workshops are free to participants!

For parents and teens, learn about:

• Key questions teens need answered;
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The workshop series begins Thursday, Feb. 9 and continues on Thursdays thru March 29. The hours: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The locations: 9191 Westacre Rd., Room 19, West Sacramento 95691. The workshop is also available in Spanish on Fridays, Feb. 10-March 30, same time, same location.

Sign up today or just stop by a workshop. For more information, call (916) 576-3300 or www.peoplereachingout.org.