Conagra announced Friday that it will expand its existing manufacturing facility in Fayetteville. The project represents a multi-year investment of approximately $220 million. It is expected to create more than 100 new jobs over the next five years.
The Fayetteville facility currently produces ready-to-eat meals for multiple brand labels, including Hungry-Man®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Gardein® and evol®. Each year, the Fayetteville location produces approximately 15 million cases of product, according to a press release. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands employs roughly 18,300 people, about 2,000 of them at two Arkansas plants in Fayetteville and Russellville.
Construction is expected to begin later this year in Fayetteville, where Conagra plans to “significantly increase its chicken production capacity,” according to the release.
“This significant investment in our Fayetteville facility will allow us to continue to grow our leading frozen foods business,” said Craig Weiss, senior vice president, supply chain, for Conagra. “Conagra is committed to investing in innovation across the company, including our supply chain. We are also pleased to continue growing in Fayetteville, where Conagra has a long history.”
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the expansion shows how northwest Arkansas continues to set the pace for growth and innovation in America’s heartland.
“Conagra’s investment in Fayetteville builds on decades of partnership and strengthens the region as a hub for food innovation and manufacturing excellence,” she said. “When companies expand in Arkansas, it’s because they trust our skilled workforce, our business climate, and our commitment to long-term success.”
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