Hormel Foods to invest $150m in Burke facility expansion

US-based Hormel Foods has announced plans to expand its Burke manufacturing facility in Nevada, Iowa, with an investment of nearly $150m.

The facility currently produces pizza toppings and other fully cooked meat products in the foodservice and prepared food industries.

Hormel Foods president and CEO Jim Snee said: “This expansion of our Burke facility is a significant and strategic investment, allowing us to continue to expand and accelerate growth in our foodservice portfolio.

“Burke has been a leader in the pizza topping industry, and this expansion will provide them with the additional capacity to meet the growing demand for its products.”

The 210,000ft² expansion will add to the existing 225,000ft² of production, warehouse, and offices.

In addition to facility expansion, the investment is expected to create 210 new employment opportunities at the site.

Construction works at the facility are set to begin in the next few months, following anticipated approvals at the local and state level, with an expected completion date in early 2020.

Burke Marketing Corporation president Chad Randick said: “This investment is a testament to the Burke team and the pride every one of our team members puts into the creation of our customer’s products.

“The expansion will be a positive force for the Nevada community, bringing added jobs and boosting the local economy. We are proud to expand in Nevada and Story County where Burke has called home since 1974.”

Hormel Foods further added that it will continue to provide fully cooked meats to pizza operators, food manufacturers, and food distributors during the expansion process.