Meal delivery service expects to employ 700 in Lake Zurich when fully operational
Factor, the country's leading ready-to-eat meal delivery service, has expanded into Lake Zurich and expects to employ 700 workers when fully operational this fall.
A nearly 100,000-square-foot fulfillment and distribution center recently opened in an industrial park at 1325 Ensell Road. The space formerly housed Peapod, which closed in February of 2020.
The new facility will support Factor's increasing demand, as ready-to-eat meals are an emerging market with significant growth potential, according to a company spokesperson. Operations began in January and were announced Tuesday.
Batavia-based Factor is a fully-prepared meal delivery service offering a rotating menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options crafted by gourmet chefs and focused on health and fitness. Subscribers can add options, such as shakes, juices, snacks and desserts to be delivered nationwide.
Meals are prepared at Factor's production facilities in Aurora and Burr Ridge, and packed for shipment and delivery at distribution centers in Lyons and now Lake Zurich, the spokesperson said.
Visit https://careers.hellofresh.com/global/en for information about jobs at the Lake Zurich facility.
Through various partnerships, Factor provides meals to community members in need of assistance, according to a village news release.
"Factor will fill a significant void in our industrial park, provide a large number of employment opportunities and based on their past track record, they will become a significant and welcome supporter of the community in general," Mayor Tom Poynton said in the release.
The Lake Zurich center will increase the company's overall meal delivery production and distribution capacity threefold.
"As a company born in Chicago, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations in the region, which will support Factor's growth plans to serve an increasing number of customers with delicious, ready-to-eat- meals that fuel their active lifestyles," Factor CEO Mike Apostal said in the release.
Factor was founded about 10 years ago and was acquired by global meal kit leader HelloFresh in 2020. In December, Factor became the largest ready-to-eat meal company in the U.S. in terms of market share, according to the village.
Since the acquisition, Factor's year-over-year revenues have grown 250% and its weekly menu has expanded 40% to include keto, calorie smart, vegetarian and vegan dishes, according to HelloFresh.