Packaged foods manufacturer Conagra Brands is moving forward on plans for a $31.9 million expansion of its production facility in Fort Madison, IA, the Lee County Economic Development Group announced. As part of the investment, the firm will also add 91 jobs to the plant’s current headcount of 450. 

“We are excited to expand production at our facility,” plant manager Bryan Langerud, said in a Lee County EDG press release. “We continue to focus on the growth of our business and are pleased to create more opportunities in the Fort Madison area.”

During the expansion, Conagra said it is making a “significant investment” in new equipment and machinery for canned beans production. Installation of the new production assets is slated to start this July. 

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The plant in Fort Madison was opened by the Dial Corporation in 1972. Two production lines for Birds Eye frozen foods were added to the site in 2011. Another owner of the plant, Pinnacle Foods, upgraded the Luncheon Meat and Combo hydrostats in the plant during 2015, according to Lee County EDG. Conagra purchased Pinnacle in 2018. 

Earlier this month, Conagra announced plans to shift to 100% recyclable, renewable, or compostable plastic packaging by 2025. The company said it plans to produce packaging that is environmentally friendly, while also upholding food safety and quality standards. Another aim of the effort is to reduce Conagra’s use of water in packaging.

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