GAFFNEY, S.C. — The Cherokee County Council in South Carolina has approved an incentive package that is expected to lead Toronto-based Ace Bakery Inc. to invest at least $17 million in Gaffney and create about 50 new jobs. As part of the investment, Ace is expected to renovate the former Romeo Rim facility in Cherokee Corporate Park on Highway 105.

Founded in 1993, Ace Bakery is a manufacturer and supplier of artisan and European-style bread, baguettes and rolls.

“Thanks to the incredible support of our U.S. food service and retail clients, demand for Ace Bakery products in the U.S. continues to grow at a tremendous rate,” Ace Bakery said on its web site. “The time is right to start baking closer to our U.S. clients, and our first U.S. bakery is scheduled to open in the Southeast this fall. We’ll be announcing the exact location shortly.”

The company said the new bakery will have best-in-class European equipment, traditional artisan baking methods, state-of-the-art baking facilities, and a broad selection of baguettes, breads and rolls.