ConAgra Foods Breaks Ground On $100 Million Expansion In Russellville
by March 15, 2013 10:10 am 338 views
ConAgra Foods broke ground today on an expanded facility in Russellville. As part of the expansion, originally announced in September 2012, ConAgra Foods is planning to invest about $100 million in the new facility and expects to add more than 80 new jobs.
The facility is expanding as a result of ConAgra Foods’ acquisition of the Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s Home Menu frozen meal business from Unilever. Through the Russellville expansion, production lines will be added to produce the two new items.
“ConAgra Foods’ significant investment in this expansion is a testament to the quality of the company’s existing workforce in Russellville,” said Grant Tennille, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Today’s groundbreaking further establishes Arkansas’s reputation as a hub in the food production sector.”
Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, ConAgra Foods is among North America’s leading food companies, with ConAgra Foods brands found in 97% of American households.
“It is always gratifying when a company has the confidence in a community and the local workforce to make a significant investment,” said Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton. “ConAgra Foods has expanded their Russellville manufacturing operations numerous times since the plant was originally built in 1964. This latest investment of over $100 million is just another example of the company’s confidence in Russellville and the State of Arkansas. We are grateful that ConAgra Foods calls Russellville, Arkansas home.”
“We are fortunate in Russellville and the Arkansas River Valley to have many manufacturers in the area,” said Jeff Pipkin, president of the Arkansas Valley Alliance for Economic Development. “ConAgra Foods has been producing quality food products in Russellville since 1964 and continues to be one of the largest employers in the region. With this exciting expansion announcement today, we know the company will be a significant part of our local economy for years to come.”