Conagra Brands will invest approximately $78 million to modernise its Birds Eye operations in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
The expansion of the 350,000-square-foot cold storage and vegetable packaging facility is expected to create around 140 full-time jobs over the next five years.
Conagra bought Birds Eye last year as part of the $10.9 billion deal for its parent company Pinnacle Foods. Other brands included in the purchase included Gardein, Duncan Hines and Earth Balance.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is supporting the Beaver Dam expansion by authorising up to $750,000 in state income tax credits over the next five years. The actual amount of tax credits that Conagra will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.
WEDC CEO Mark Hogan said: “Birds Eye frozen vegetables have been a fixture in freezers in Wisconsin and around the country for generations, and I applaud the company for continuing to invest and grow in our state.
“As a company with facilities all over the country, Birds Eye was looking at other options for this expansion. Its decision to expand in Wisconsin is a testament to the state’s strong business climate and outstanding workforce.”
Last December, Conagra offloaded its Wesson range of canola and vegetable cooking oils to Richardson International.
Chicago-headquartered Conagra has since announced it is “exploring strategic alternatives” for its Italy-based frozen pizza business Gelit.
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