INDEPENDENCE, MO. — Unilever is investing $99 million to expand its Independence production plant.
The facility currently processes wet foods, including Wish-Bone salad dressings, which Unilever sold to Pinnacle Foods last year, as well as Hellmann’s salad dressings for food service. Over the next two years, Unilever plans to convert the site to a dedicated dry mix plant with production for Knorr and Lipton sides, sauces and gravies. The expansion is expected to create 70 jobs.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said he met with company officials last fall to discuss the facility’s future following the sale of Wish-Bone.
“Today’s announcement that Unilever will not only stay in Missouri, but will be making new investments and creating additional jobs, is a big win for Independence and a great news for our growing economy,” Mr. Nixon said.
