Starbucks is building a new plant in Augusta that will employ 140 and open in early 2014.

Construction, which will also generate construction and transportation jobs, is slated to start this spring.

The plant will make Starbucks’ Via instant coffee and ingredients for Frappucinos sold both in Starbucks outlets and in grocery stores.

The move comes as the coffee chain looks to expand its consumer products offerings found on grocery store shelves, such as ready-to-serve drinks, Starbucks ice cream and instant coffee.

The announcement came just ahead of the opening of Starbucks' annual meeting in Seattle.

Tags: Augusta, Starbucks