Food manufacturer The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicating $48 million to a five-year project to improve production operations and increase capacity at its Springfield, MO plant, economic development group Missouri Partnership announced in a recent release. 

“Kraft Heinz has a rich history in the Springfield area, manufacturing some of the nation’s most iconic and beloved brands,” João Araujo, head of US operations for Kraft, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to continue building on the success and growth we’ve experienced in Springfield by further investing in our facility and the community.”

Opened in 1954, the Springfield site manufactures Kraft American Singles, Kraft Natural Cheese, and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese products. 

“We are grateful for Kraft Heinz being an outstanding employer and for this added investment that will contribute to Springfield’s growing economic vitality,” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said in the release. 

Three cases of the novel coronavirus were identified among workers at the Kraft manufacturing plant and warehouse in Springfield this June, about two months after two other employees tested positive for COVID-19 and the company temporarily closed the facility for deep cleaning.