Company officials say work on a huge new Starbucks Coffee Co. manufacturing plant in Augusta remains on schedule for an early 2014 completion date.

Construction of the $172 million facility, which will produce Starbucks VIA Ready Brew, the coffee base for its Frappuccino beverages and many Starbucks ready-to-drink products, began in mid-July 2012.

More than 140 workers will be employed at the Starbucks site in Augusta Corporate Park. Walter Sprouse, executive director of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, said the Seattle-based coffee company is the first to locate in the industrial park.

Starbucks spokesman Zack Hutson said hiring at the 180,000-square-foot plant is underway. He said workers for many positions, including maintenance mechanics, automation specialists and operators, are still needed.

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