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Nestlé has announced plans to invest $100 million into the expansion of its frozen foods facility in Cherokee County, South Carolina.

First opened in 1980, the Gaffney factory manufactures frozen food entrees for the company’s Stouffer’sandLean Cuisine brands. The proposed plan includes the addition of a new production line, as well as the expansion of an existing production line.

The project will create approximately 160 new jobs and will ensure that Nestlé can continue to meet growing consumer demand for its frozen food brands.  

“The frozen food category has been growing for the last few years, and the pandemic has only increased that trend. As people spent more time at home, they rediscovered the convenience, value and great taste of frozen foods,” said Nicole Caldwell, Nestlé USA Gaffney factory manager.

The investment comes six months after Nestlé announced a $100 million expansion of its frozen foods plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in particular for the production of its Hot Pockets brand sandwiches.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Nestlé also launched its new Life Cuisine brandin the US, which offers a line of frozen meals with carb conscious, high protein, meatless and gluten free options.

South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, said: “Agribusiness is South Carolina’s largest industry, and companies like Nestlé USA are helping it grow to even greater heights. We welcome this expansion and the jobs and supply chain opportunities it will create.”