Wood County Project Basics
What: Ozarka Spring Water Company will develop
new spring water sources for bottling and build a state-of-the-art bottling
facility in Wood County, Texas, near the City of Hawkins. A total of 1450 acres
have been purchased along FM 2869 and several springs identified that meet
Ozarka’s stringent requirements for quantity and quality of spring water.
The vast majority of acreage will remain in or be
restored to its natural state to shield the spring sources from potential
contamination and to protect the watershed. The company will locate its 400,000
square-foot bottling facility on a separate 340-acre tract that allows access to
a County road with no impact to residential neighbors while protecting the
spring water recharge zone.
The company operates under a policy of collecting spring
water without adversely impacting its neighbors or the environment. To
accomplish its mission, Ozarka maintains a comprehensive, long-term monitoring
system at points near the springs and around spring property boundaries.
Ozarka’s decision to expand into Wood County relies on more than 20 months of
scientific research and analysis, including hydrogeologic samples, tests and
measurements of the springs and surrounding aquifers.
When: Construction will begin in January 2002 and
production is expected to begin January 2, 2003. Simultaneously, Ozarka’s
Natural Resource Manager will continue to oversee long-term monitoring of the
spring sites as spring water collection components are installed as well as
follow all applicable regulatory procedures regarding spring water development.
Who: Founded in 1905, Ozarka Spring Water is one
of 15 regional bottled water brands owned by Nestlé Waters North America, whose
parent company is Nestlé. Ozarka has led bottled water sales in Texas for more
than two decades.
Why: Ozarka provides safe, consistent, and great
tasting water to retailers and distributors around Texas and the Southwest to
meet a growing consumer demand for a clean, convenient and healthful bottled
beverage. Often considered “the highest and best use of water,” bottled spring
water is intended explicitly for human consumption.
Project Benefits:
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Ozarka will invest more than $50 million at start-up
and up to $150 million at project completion over a period of about 10 years. |
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The bottling facility and related spring production
will create more than 50 jobs at start-up and approximately 300 at full
capacity, with wages of $10 - $15 per hour, health and dental benefits, 401K
plan, and profit sharing. |
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The project will create a direct and indirect revenue
stream of more than $800,000 for Wood County by the end of year one, and
nearly $1.5 million at full build-out. |
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The project will create more than 1,500 direct support
jobs, with an estimated payroll of more than $35 million, in approximately 10
years. |
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Vigorous protection of the spring sources and
watershed to preserve a healthy eco-system for the future. |
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Corporate support for water education initiatives and
the creation of an annual $30,000 “Every Drop Counts” scholarship fund for
Texas students. |
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Ten-point Good Neighbor Policy that illustrates
Ozarka’s commitment to respect the community and the environment. |
