Conagra Brands plans to expand Birds Eye Foods operations in the US

US-based food company Conagra Brands is planning to expand operations at its Beaver Dam facility to support its frozen vegetables brand Birds Eye.

Conagra Brands plans to invest approximately $78m, which will be used to upgrade and expand the current 350,000ft² cold storage and vegetable packaging facility on Green Valley Road that supports Birds Eye’s frozen vegetable operations.

The food company is also receiving support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), which has authorised up to $750,000 in state income tax credits over the next five years.

WEDC secretary and CEO Mark Hogan said: “Birds Eye frozen vegetables have been a fixture in freezers in Wisconsin and around the country for generations, and I applaud the company for continuing to invest and grow in our state.

“As a company with facilities all over the country, Birds Eye was looking at other options for this expansion. Its decision to expand in Wisconsin is a testament to the state’s strong business climate and outstanding workforce.”

The project is expected to create nearly 140 full-time employment opportunities over the next five years.

An economic modelling study estimates that the project could indirectly create 84 further jobs in the region, and generate more than $360,000 annually in state income tax revenue.

Birds Eye operations are supported by almost 800 employees at both the Beaver Dam and Darien plants in Wisconsin.

Birds Eye was established in the early 1900s by Clarence Birdseye, who developed a patented way to flash freeze vegetables.