Conagra Brands, a leading foods manufacturer, announced today that it will expand in Macon, investing $29.1 million and creating 26 new jobs. The company’s expansion includes the replacement of outdated equipment and the addition of new equipment to increase cooler and preparation space, enhance production capacity, and improve sustainability.
“It’s great to see Conagra continuing to invest, expand, and create jobs in Macon,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company’s more than 100-year presence in the area is a prime example of how business growth benefits communities. We congratulate Conagra and look forward to its ongoing success in northern Missouri.”
Equipment that will be replaced through Conagra’s expansion includes bake ovens and freezers, dewatering process equipment, and raw meat inspection process equipment. New raw meat processing equipment will be added to expand the variety of products produced at the facility. This will allow the company to better meet consumer demand for healthier items like Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s meals.
“We value our strong partnership with the City of Macon and look forward to expanding our operations,” said John Phipps, Manager of the Conagra Brands Macon facility. “This expansion represents a meaningful investment in both our business and the local community, and we’re proud to continue building our presence here.”
Conagra’s expansion also includes the retention of 340 existing positions, preserving the company’s status as Macon County’s largest employer. Both the existing positions and new jobs added as part of Conagra’s expansion will pay average wages well above the county average.
“DED is proud to support Conagra as they continue helping Missourians prosper in Macon,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “With every step forward, they are creating new opportunities and shaping a stronger tomorrow.”
For this expansion, Conagra will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
What others are saying
“The City of Macon is delighted Conagra has chosen Macon’s location for investment in the growth of their company,” said Macon Mayor Tony Petre. “Macon has always valued the partnership with Conagra Brands and looks forward to their continued success with this new expansion.”
“Conagra is the largest employer in Macon County, and we’re delighted the company chose our location to expand,” said Laura Bradshaw, Director of Macon County Economic Development. “The company’s decision to expand speaks to Macon’s excellent business climate, supportive community, and healthy economic environment.”
“We’re grateful for Conagra’s commitment to fostering economic growth in Macon County,” said Jill Williams, President of the Macon County Economic Development Board. “This investment, job creation, and job retention is invaluable to our community and citizens.”
About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc., is one of North America’s leading branded food companies. The company combines a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company’s portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers’ ever-changing food preferences. Conagra’s brands include Birds Eye®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender's®, Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, and many more. As a corporate citizen, the company aims to do what's right for its business, employees, communities, and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2024 net sales of more than $12 billion.
To learn more about Conagra Brands, visit conagrabrands.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.