SPRINGFIELD, MO
Kraft Foods has announced that it will be investing roughly $100 million dollars to upgrade its Springfield, Missouri cheese production facility in order to get ready for a new product line. This latest expansion plan comes on the heels of nearly $50 million spent in capital investment during 2012 on the part of Kraft.
According to Area Development Online, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Business Development Corporation, and City Utilities division were key contributors in this effort. In fact, Kraft is the first company to make use of Springfield's Community Economic Development Rider incentive offered by City Utilities.
“Our facility is extremely grateful for the productive partnership we have had with the Springfield Chamber, the city and the county governments, and City Utilities through the years,” said Todd Sherman, Plant Manager of the Kraft Springfield facility. “We appreciate that they work to provide a supportive business climate in Springfield and assist us as we strengthen our local operations.”
This close partnership payed dividends during the 2012 expansion as well, in which Kraft used Chapter 100 industrial revenue bonds to make sure the jobs of its 800 full time Springfield employee's would be secure.
According to Area Development Online, Kraft Foods has been an integral part of the Springfield manufacturing community for the past 75 years.
