JOPLIN, Mo. — General Mills, a leading global food manufacturer, announced today that it will expand in Joplin, investing $48 million and creating 47 new jobs at its frozen dough plant location. The company’s expansion will increase its manufacturing and packaging capacity to meet increased demand and product innovation from foodservice customers. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
“We’re proud to see an industry leader like General Mills investing and creating jobs in our state,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s expansion in Joplin is great news for our southwest region and the hardworking Missourians who call the area home. Our commitment to improving infrastructure and strengthening our workforce continues to bring growth that’s benefitting communities statewide.”
General Mills’ expansion in Joplin will include the use of new technology, such as semi-automated processing and packaging, to improve production and operational efficiencies. Upon completion, the company’s Joplin location will have the capability to produce more than 1 billion pounds of frozen dough products each year.
“At General Mills, we’re accelerating our business and investing to support continued growth in frozen dough,” said Tim Johnson, Plant Manager at the General Mills Joplin plant. “Southwest Missouri and the Joplin community continue to partner with employers on mutually beneficial programs to drive growth in the region. This investment is an acknowledgment of the strong work ethic within the Joplin community and we’re excited to expand our General Mills team.”
“General Mills is a leading company and community partner that we’re proud to have in our state,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We appreciate all those who joined us in supporting this quality employer as it continues to help Missourians prosper in southwest Missouri.”
For this expansion, General Mills 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 is also receiving 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
“General Mills has been a leading employer in Joplin, offering quality jobs and community support for more than two decades,” said Joplin Mayor Doug Lawson. “We value their confidence in the City of Joplin and southwest Missouri with this upcoming expansion and appreciate all our partners’ work on this development.”
Hiring efforts are currently underway, with onsite interviews held every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the plant located on Stephens Boulevard in Joplin. For more information, visit careers.generalmills.com.
About General Mills
General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to drive shareholder value by boldly building its brands, relentlessly innovating, unleashing its scale and standing for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2023 net sales of U.S. $20.1 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.0 billion.
To learn more about General Mills, visit generalmills.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.