Jonesboro, ARK--December 2020: Jonesboro’s Nestlé plant is planning a major expansion. Before Christmas, Nestlé announced it would invest more than $100 million to expand production to include a new line to produce Hot Pockets. The expansion includes adding at least 100 new employees and 90,000 square feet to the facility.
“Consumers are embracing eating at home like never before and rediscovering the frozen category, an evolution brought on by the pandemic that is showing signs of taking hold for the long term,” said Mike Mahon, Factory Manager. “As we embrace the trend and plan for the future, we’re excited to be investing in our Jonesboro factory to support our Hot Pockets business.”
Since opening in Jonesboro in 2002, Nestlé has expanded multiple times and now employs approximately 750 people who produce frozen foods for brands like Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine, and Tombstone.
“Nestlé’s many successful years in Arkansas are a great testament to our business climate and the quality of our workforce, which has persuaded the company’s leaders that Jonesboro is the perfect location for this expansion,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “Success breeds success, which means we are going to see more great things from the Hot Pockets project.”
“Almost 20 years ago, Nestlé chose to locate in Jonesboro because their forward-thinking leaders knew that Jonesboro and Nestlé were both primed to grow,” former Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin said. “Together, we have. Nestlé has shown they are more than a business; they are part of the Jonesboro family.”
“Arkansas continues its momentum of increasing good jobs and improving quality of life for our citizens,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Nestlé has been a valued community partner for decades, and I’m pleased that they have continued to place their trust in the Northeast Arkansas workforce.”
“Once again, Nestlé has shown how it continues to invest in the communities they call home,” Mark Young, president, and CEO of Jonesboro Unlimited said. This expansion is the latest example of Nestlé’s commitment to Jonesboro. The combination of Nestlé’s products and Jonesboro’s people is heading into its second generation together. We are as excited about our future as we are proud of our history.”
Construction will start in January
