NORTH ANDOVER — A wholesale artisan bread bakery has signed a long-term lease at Osgood Landing with plans to add more than 100 jobs.
Jessica's Brick Oven, Inc. will move from its 11,000-square-foot facility in Woburn to a 63,000-square-foot space at Osgood Landing, the former Lucent site.
Specializing in all-natural, hand-crafted specialty breads, Jessica's Brick Oven Inc. now employs about 75 people but will expand to more than 200 employees in the next year or so, after it relocates this fall, according to owner and Middleton resident Nabil Boghos.
"I'm looking forward to tap into the work force there," said Boghos. "If I can be a small part of helping the economy, it all adds up. Small business is the backbone of America."
Boghos said construction is ongoing at the company's future home. A move-in date is scheduled for late September or early October. A lease agreement with Ozzy Properties, Inc. was announced earlier this month. Boghos said the lease is for more than 10 years but declined to reveal financial terms.
"We're happy to be there and fill the entire lease," said Boghos. "I think it will be a good partnership for both of us."
Boghos said he was attracted to Osgood Landing for its highway access. He said the Merrimack Valley is also home to many of his customers, which include specialty shops and supermarkets, including Stop & Shop, DeMoulas and Market Basket.
Boghos said Jessica's Brick Oven was founded in 1997.
Boghos said he and his wife, Rose, purchased the company in June 2006 and changed the focus of its customer base from commercial to retail businesses.
"We're taking our company in a complete different direction from where it was before we bought it," said Boghos. "It gives us the market exposure we're looking for."
After the move, all Jessica's Brick Oven bread will be made in North Andover. Boghos said all of the company's products are all-natural.
Boghos said the new space at Osgood Landing is large enough for continued growth. "That's our game plan," said Boghos. "Keep it going. Our space will allow us to do it."
