Leclerc Foods bars
The new plant features a new production line for making gluten-free bars.

SAINT-AUGUSTIN-DE-DESMAURES, QUE. — Leclerc Group Inc., maker of cookies, snack bars and crackers, has acquired a 110,000-square-foot facility in Kingsport, Tenn., for an undisclosed amount.

The plant features a new production line for making gluten-free bars, which the company said will accelerate Biscuit Leclerc’s development and help boost sales to $525 million by the end of 2017 from approximately $440 million in 2016.

Leclerc plans to invest nearly $50 million in the facility over the next five years, which will lead to the creation of nearly 100 jobs.

“This acquisition fits our business vision and development strategy,” said Denis Leclerc, president of Leclerc Group. “The facility will only produce certified gluten-free products to meet special customer needs.”

This facility acquisition marks Leclerc’s seventh. Last December, the company unveiled plans to establish its U.S. headquarters in Kingsport, a project that is expected to be completed by mid-2017.