ConAgra Foods broke ground Friday on a $100 million expansion to a plant in Russellville where it plans to add 80 new jobs.
The new jobs will raise the total employed at the plant to 1,300 over the next two years, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission said in a statement.
“ConAgra Foods has a long history in the community, and we are excited to grow our presence here,” said Mike Tracy, ConAgra Foods senior vice president of consumer foods supply chain, said in the statement. “Our talented, committed employees and the tremendous support we receive from the city of Russellville and State of Arkansas will help us make great food here well into the future.”
Omaha, Neb.-based ConAgra announced the expansion last year. It plans to produce Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s frozen meals at the facility. The company acquired these brands last year as part of its effort to devote more of its business to frozen foods.
The Russellville facility, in operation since 1964, produces Banquet, Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s products.
“It is always gratifying when a company has the confidence in a community and the local workforce to make a significant investment,” Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton said in the statement. “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.”