Kraft Heinz to invest $100m in New Ulm facility in Minnesota

Kraft Heinz has plans to invest more than $100m in its production facility in New Ulm, Minnesota, US.

As part of the investment plan, the company intends to expand the existing plant in New Ulm, and add four new production lines by next year.

This facility has been operational since 1955 and it currently employs nearly 400 people.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will provide a $450,000 forgivable loan if the company meets its recruitment and investment goals.

Minnesota lieutenant governor Tina Smith said "The Minnesota Investment Fund helps generate well-paying jobs all across our state. About 60% of the program’s funding in the past year has supported business expansions in Greater Minnesota.

DEED commissioner Shawntera Hardy said: "The Kraft Heinz food manufacturing plant has been an institution in New Ulm for more than 60 years.

"We’re pleased that the company is making a major jobs and facilities investment that will improve their operation for years to come in the city."

Kraft Heinz was formed when Kraft Foods and H J Heinz merged last year.

The merged entity has annual sales of $27.4bn and owns brands such as as Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Velveeta, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer and Heinz Ketchup.