RICHMOND, VA. — McKee Foods Corp. is investing $19 million to expand production at its manufacturing facility in Stuarts Draft, Va. The plant currently makes Little Debbie snack cakes, and it is adding equipment to produce the company’s mini-donuts.

“McKee Foods initially recognized the strategic advantage of building a manufacturing facility in Augusta county more than two decades ago,” said Randy Smith, vice-president of McKee Foods’ Stuarts Draft operations. “A major point in that decision was seeing that the Shenandoah Valley gave us access to a highly-skilled workforce. Today, we’re pleased to be able to expand our production capabilities here, to employ more of our neighbors and to add to the more than $46 million annual economic impact we currently make — all for the betterment of our local communities.”

Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Augusta county with the project.