The 160,000 sq. ft LEED certified building is close to completion and will produce ready to drink beverages.

Last July, Starbucks Coffee Company announced their plans to open a $172 million manufacturing plant in south Augusta along with hiring close to 140 employees.

The plant is getting closer to completion and has already hired approximately 70 employees, reports the The Augusta Chronicle.

"With an abundance of skilled workers, a great quality of life, convenient access to transportation and strong support from local and state leaders, Augusta is an ideal location for our newest manufacturing facility," said Howard Schulz, Starbucks' chairman and chief executive.

The new plant in Augusta will be Starbuck's fifth manufacturing facility in the U.S. It will produce the coffee base for their popular Frappuccino beverages, VIA Ready Brew and other ready-to-drink beverages.

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