Springfield’s Hot Mama’s Foods Builds Hummus Packing Line With MassDevelopment Loan

August 16, 2012

Contacts:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com
Matthew Morse, Hot Mama’s Foods, 413-737-6572

MassDevelopment has provided a $260,280 equipment loan to Lansal, Inc., which does business as Hot Mama’s Foods in Springfield. The food manufacturer will use loan proceeds to expand manufacturing capacity by buying a new hummus packing line, which includes a new filler and sealer. Hot Mama’s Foods expects to create five jobs as a result of the project.

“Western Massachusetts is known for precision machining and tooling manufacturers, but Hot Mama’s Foods thrives thanks to its delicious dips,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment prioritizes supporting manufacturers, so we’re pleased to back the expansion of Hot Mama's Foods.”

Established in 1984, Hot Mama’s Foods makes fresh, natural, and select organic food products such as salsas, hummus, pesto, sauces, salads, and dips for regional and national retailers. In 2006, MassDevelopment participated in a $1 million financing package with the Bank of Western Massachusetts – now People’s United Bank – to help Hot Mama’s Foods move to and expand in Springfield.

“Hot Mama’s Foods has seen a lot of exciting growth in the last few years, and this packing line will help us add even more capacity to our facility,” said Matthew Morse, President of Hot Mama’s Foods. “Thanks to MassDevelopment for this loan and for continuing its support of small businesses in western Massachusetts.”

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2011, MassDevelopment financed or managed more than 300 projects generating investment of $3.8 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create more than 10,000 jobs (2,547 permanent and 8,129 construction), and build or rehabilitate more than 1,000 residential units.