ST. LOUIS — Post Holdings, Inc. is investing $85 million to build a new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Norwalk, Iowa, for its Michael Foods business.

“We looked at numerous locations in the Midwest, and Norwalk had many advantages,” said Steve Schonhoff, senior vice-president of integrated supply chain. “We look forward to Michael Foods becoming a preferred employer in the area and being part of the community.”

The new plant will process eggs and pre-cooked egg products and is expected to create 100 to 150 new jobs initially. Construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2018 and be completed in 2019.

“We are delighted that the internal growth at Michael Foods supports this expansion,” said Rob Vitale, president and chief executive officer of Post. “We believe it will further enhance our position as the nation’s leader in valued added egg products.”

Based in Minnetonka, Minn., Michael Foods is the largest processor of value-added eggs in the United States. Its brands include Crystal Farms, Simply Potatoes, Papetti’s, Willamette Egg Farms and now Bob Evans Foods.