Nestle plans $100 million expansion in Jonesboro, will hire 100 new workers

Nestlé will invest more than $100 million to expand the company’s production facility in Jonesboro to include a new line to produce Hot Pockets brand sandwiches, the company announced Wednesday (Dec. 23). As part of the expansion, the company plans to hire at least 100 new employees during the next two years as well as renovate and add 90,000 square feet to its facility.

“Consumers are embracing eating at home like never before and rediscovering the frozen category, an evolution brought on by the pandemic that is showing signs of taking hold for the long term,” said Mike Mahon, factory manager. “As we embrace the trend and plan for the future, we’re excited to be investing in our Jonesboro factory to support our Hot Pockets business.”

Nestlé USA is the largest food and beverage company in the United States. The company opened its Jonesboro facility in 2002 and has undergone several expansions over the years. Nestlé Jonesboro has approximately 750 full-time employees who produce frozen foods for the Stouffers, Lean cuisine, and other brands.

“Nestlé’s many successful years in Arkansas are a great testament to our business climate and the quality of our workforce, which has persuaded the company’s leaders that Jonesboro is the perfect location for this expansion,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Success breeds success, which means we are going to see more great things from the Hot Pockets project.”

Hot Pockets debuted in 1983 and was acquired by Nestlé in 2002.

“Almost 20 years ago, Nestlé chose to locate in Jonesboro because their forward-thinking leaders knew that Jonesboro and Nestlé were both primed to grow,” Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin said. “Together we have. Nestlé has shown they are more than a business; they are part of the Jonesboro family.”

The company plans to begin construction in January 2021.