ConAgra Foods, one of the largest food manufacturers in the US, has started construction of an estimated $12 million (€12m) addition to its manufacturing facility in Iowa, according to a report in the World Herald.
The Nebraska-based company will use the addition, which will have 150,000 square feet of space, for cold storage of frozen ingredients and frozen finished foods produced at the facility.
The approximately 775 employees at the facility produce Healthy Choice entrees and Marie Callender's pot pies, entrees and dinners. ConAgra will add an estimated 10 employees when the addition is completed.
Bob McKeon, a ConAgra spokesman, said the addition will allow the company to bring under one roof cold storage space that is now leased in other area facilities.
Plant manager Jon Hickerson said the expansion - which will boost the size of the facility to 550,000 square feet - will improve efficiency and customer service.
The addition is scheduled for completion in March 2003.