Image courtesy of Fennick McCredie Architecture

P&G GIllette has begun construction of a 200,000 square-foot expansion at its Andover campus, which is set to replace its longtime South Boston assembly plant as the company’s North American Grooming manufacturing hub.

Speaking at a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll pointed to the project as an example of Massachusetts’ potential to attract advanced manufacturing.

“Businesses like Gillette around the commonwealth continue to innovate and ensure that the next generation of manufacturing technology happens here,” Driscoll said according to a recording of her remarks.

Designed by Boston-based Fennick McCredie Architecture, the 200,000 square-foot facility will include manufacturing space, a cafeteria, fitness center and heritage wall with company historic exhibits.

The project team includes Skanska, BR+A, TG Gallagher and Sullivan & McLaughlin.

Gillette has owned the 150-acre Andover property since 1967. It contains an existing 591,906 square-foot manufacturing building, which also will be updated to attract and retain employees, according to a statement from Gillette.

The new plant will add razor production, packaging and fulfillment to the existing facility, which manufactures personal care products.

After several years of planning and delays during the pandemic, Gillette this month submitted its proposal for a mixed-use redevelopment of the A Street property in South Boston. The plans include up to 20 buildings totaling 5.7 million square feet, a waterfront park and coastal resiliency infrastructure.

The transition of employees to Andover will begin within one to two years, Gillette announced.