Hawaii is Breaking Ground in Indiana and Bringing 150 New Jobs

The Hoosier state will soon be home to the first United States Midwest production site for King’s Hawaiian rolls.

King’s Hawaiian is a Family Owned Company

King’s Hawaiian has been in business for 74 years, and it all began with one ohana (Family). The original sweet bread recipe was created by Robert R. Taira in 1950. The Taira's still own the company, and the story of their growth is very impressive.

PHOTO: King's Hawaiian YouTube

Even though Guy Fieri endorses King's Hawaiin breads, I have still never tried them. I have this weird phobia that there is coconut hidden somewhere in it. Yes, I know that sounds coconuts!

Irresistible Foods Group Manufacturing Facility

Irresistible Foods Group is the parent company that manufactures the King's Hawaiian products. The company's first manufacturing facility in the Midwest is planned for Bartholomew County, Indiana, at a prominent I-65 location just outside Columbus near Taylorsville.

From the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corp:

King’s Hawaiian intends to invest up to $180 million to construct and equip a more the 300,000 square foot state-of-the-art bakery and production facility where they expect to employ nearly 150 people with an average wage of $29.94. Once operational, the initial facility will produce King’s Hawaiian’s well-known Hawaiian bakery products. Local leaders point out that the 88-acre site provides enough land for possible expansion, and the company’s history indicates growth with additional jobs is a definite possibility. Other operations within the Irresistible Foods Group portfolio include Grillo’s Pickles, Shaka Tea, and Innovation Bakers.

Officials say the groundbreaking will be in 2024, and hope to be up and running in late 2026 or early 2027.