Nestle will be expanding its Jonesboro facility, investing more than $100 million to increase its production lines.
The new expansion is expected to add 90,000 square feet to the Northeast Arkansas facility. Nestle plans to hire roughly 100 new employees over two years to fill its production pipeline. Currently, the company employs approximately 750 individuals at the facility.
Opened in 2002, the Nestle facility has undergone previous expansions and currently produces frozen foods for multiple brands, including Stouffers, Lean Cuisine, Digorno, Tombstone and Sweet Earth. The new expansion will allow Nestle to add Hot Pockets sandwiches to its production line.
“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,” factory manager Mike Mahon said in a statement. “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.”
Nestle acquired Hot Pockets in 2002; the sandwich product debuted in 1983.
“Arkansas continues its momentum of increasing good jobs and improving quality of life for our citizens,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “Nestlé has been a valued community partner for decades, and I’m pleased that they have continued to place their trust in the Northeast Arkansas workforce.”
Construction on the facility expansion is expected to begin in January 2021.
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Image courtesy of Stellar
