Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced this week that Colorado Premium, one of the country’s premier protein processors serving retailers, restaurant chains and private labels worldwide, will create 190 jobs and invest $15 million in a food processing plant in Carroll County, Ga., by the end of 2018.

“Colorado Premium’s decision to establish a presence in Carroll County is a testament to Georgia’s commitment to providing a business-friendly environment and the resources necessary for economic growth in today’s market,” Deal said. “Georgia offers the freight and transportation network required to serve a broad, growing customer base. I am confident our strategic location will provide significant benefits for Colorado Premium as the company expands its presence throughout the Southeast.”

Colorado Premium founder and president Kevin LaFleur said the company explored various locations in the Southeast and selected the Carrol County facility due to the overwhelming welcome it received from the county and business communities.

“Our company has been expanding for several years, and this facility allows us to continue that growth well into the future. This location also provides us with a more centralized shipping and distribution point, and that’s a tremendous benefit for our customers,” LaFleur said.

This is Colorado Premium’s third major expansion in the past three years. In July 2014, the company acquired Illinois-based Buedel Fine Meats & Provisions and Vlcek Fine Meats Inc., distributors of meats and poultry to restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs. The company expanded again in 2016 with the acquisition of Miami, Fla.-based National Deli, one of the nation’s leading branded deli meat companies.

Colorado Premium purchased an existing 130,000 sq. ft. building in Carroll County and will immediately begin upgrading the property and installing state-of-the-art meat and protein processing equipment. With the Carroll County acquisition, the company and its subsidiaries will operate five processing facilities and two distribution centers in Colorado, Illinois, Florida and Georgia.

“We are excited to begin the new year with this announcement. As a family-owned, highly successful and growing industry, Colorado Premium is a perfect fit for our community,” said Daniel Jackson president and chief executive officer of Carroll Tomorrow. “We are so impressed with Colorado Premium’s owner and senior leadership team, and we know that they will be a great asset to our community and a wonderful new corporate citizen.”