J.M. Smucker Co. plans to invest more than $20 million to expand its facility in Topeka, Kansas, local economic development officials announced.
The company, along with its Big Heart Pet Brands subsidiary, will make property purchases worth $17.8 million and invest another $2.7 million in new equipment. Economic development agency GO Topeka said that the announcement would position the city as “a hub for advanced food production and innovation.”
“We are excited to continue to expand our operations in Topeka to support the consumers who count on our beloved brands, including Meow Mix and Milk-Bone, and the dedicated workforce that works diligently to continue to deliver these high-quality products,” Smucker Director of Operations Luke Livingston said in a statement.
City and county officials approved an incentive package for the company worth $383,000 in total. The announcement did not indicate whether the company expects to add staff.
In addition to its pet food labels and its flagship jellies and spreads, Smucker also owns the Hostess, Carnation and Folgers brands. The company has operated in Topeka for more than 55 years.
