In July, construction will begin on an expansion to Lancaster’s $70 million bottling plant, expected to create 70 new jobs in the area. The more than 1.2 million-square-foot industrial project by Niagara Bottling LLC will span across 70 acres at 1535 E. Belt Line Rd., south of I-20. Recently filed documents with the state reveal that the $13 million building is set to open in early 2024. However, this cost doesn’t account for equipment expenses. Austin architect firm Merriman Pitt Anderson is designing the addition, which will feature a two-story office space, a lab room with an upstairs utility area, and processing support rooms. Upon completion, the new facility will bottle private-label brands for retailers, including Walmart and Costco. California-based Niagara Bottling will receive at least $2.5 million in tax rebates for the project. [Read more about the development here](https://www.recenter.tamu.edu/news/newstalk-texas/?Item=29130)
