Expansion Management

Specialty Beverage Maker Brings Manufacturing Back to US

June 4, 2013

Lollicup creating state-of-the-art facility in order to bring back manufacturing from Asia.

In a growing trend of reshoring, Lollicup USA, Inc., a specialty beverage manufacturer, announced yesterday the expansion and relocation of its U.S. headquarters to the County of San Bernardino, California.

“We are bringing manufacturing back to the US,” said Lollicup CEO Alan Yu.

“In addition to our corporate headquarters, our new space will house a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for paper and plastic disposable goods,” Yu added. “We are moving our manufacturing from Asia to California to shorten our customers’ lead times and to meet increased demand for our products.

“Once in place, we’ll be able to provide a 24-hour operation, eliminating the time and process involved with shipping overseas.”

The new 300,000-square-foot plus facility will also house Lollicup’s Southern California distribution center and manufacturing, as well as provide on-site sales for their retail customers. The company currently has 150 employees, with plans to add additional employees once relocation is complete.

In business since 2000, Lollicup USA Inc. bears the same name as its nationwide and international chain of Lollicup bubble drink stores. Lollicup is also the manufacturer of Karat brand disposable goods and Teazone brand of flavoring products & drink accessories.

In addition to its Southern California Headquarters, Lollicup operates facilities in Summerville, South Carolina and Seattle, Washington.

“The County remains uniquely positioned to attract more manufacturing because of a large 900,000 strong quality workforce, strategic location, and reliable infrastructure along with a proactive business environment,” said. Kelly Reenders, Economic Development Agency Administrator, County of San Bernardino.

San Bernardino is located in Southern California, an economy of 22 million people, making the County of San Bernardino the largest county in the United States.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.