New Bauducco Facility in Zephyrhills Highlights Bilingual Hiring
ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Bauducco held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new facility in Zephyrhills, where the Brazilian bakery brand says it plans to eventually hire 600 employees, including many bilingual workers.
The facility has been in development since a groundbreaking two years ago. The hiring will be completed in phases, beginning with positions on the production lines, according to the company.
For employees like Edmelinda Arce, the new warehouse has created a chance to start a new career close to home. “I was passing by every day in front of the warehouse, and I always said, I want to work in that warehouse,” Arce said.
Arce is part of Bauducco’s quality control team, testing products before they are sent to stores. She said the company’s focus on hiring bilingual workers helped draw her to apply.
“It feels more comfortable because we can communicate with people and we feel valuable to the company,” Arce said. Arce said being bilingual has helped her support coworkers who are still learning the job.
“Sometimes we have people here that don’t understand, and that’s why we’re here, to help them feel comfortable, to help them understand the process and the job,” she said.
Stefano Mozzi, Bauducco’s CEO, said the company is trying to hire local employees. “The idea is to build and have locker jobs, and what we are trying to hire is mainly from the area,” Mozzi said.
The company has also worked with local staffing agencies to help recruit bilingual employees. Jose Viltres, Chief Operating Officer of Superb Staffing Solutions, said the agency has helped place dozens of people in jobs through hiring fairs.
“The opportunity for these people to come and find gainful employment, to feed their families, to pay their bills, to make a career,” Viltres said.
For Arce, the job has offered a new opportunity. “It’s opened doors for you to move forward and have a better future,” she said.
Bauducco also plans to open a store in Zephyrhills later this fall.
