Sabra Dipping Co., LLC broke ground on an expansion of what is dubbed to be the world’s largest hummus-making facility.

The 40,000-square-foot expansion of its Chesterfield, County, Va., headquarters manufacturing plant will enable Sabra to further expedite product delivery to retail. The new addition also more than doubles Sabra’s finished goods storage capacity, lays the groundwork for future packaging customization capabilities and will result in an improved carbon footprint. Sabra expects to add 12 full-time positions upon completion of the LEED Gold-certified expansion.

“America’s favorite hummus is made in America, right here in Chesterfield County, Va.,” says Tomer Harpaz, chief executive officer. “Today, we break ground on what will be the fourth expansion on this campus, reflecting both Sabra’s growth to date and the anticipated continued brand and category evolution we envision for the near future. Already, we are witnessing the way hummus consumption in the U.S. is shifting from special occasion dip to an everyday feel good food. As a proud employer in the region, we are thrilled that this expansion will allow us to welcome additional people to the Sabra family.”

The expansion will significantly improve efficiencies and increase cold storage capabilities while decreasing Sabra’s carbon footprint by enabling freshly packaged product to get to stores and consumers more quickly. The expanded facility will also provide the framework for future productivity projects and innovations. Sabra contracted Tippmann Group, Fort Wayne, Ind.