Conagra Brands has announced that it will expand production of Marie Callender’s and Healthy Choice frozen ready meals at its factory in Macon, Missouri, investing $29.1 million and adding 26 new jobs. The project includes the replacement of outdated machinery and the installation of new equipment including bake ovens, freezers and raw meat processing lines,
“It’s great to see Conagra continuing to invest, expand and create jobs in Macon,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company’s more than 100-year presence in the area is a prime example of how business growth benefits communities.”
“We value our strong partnership with the City of Macon and look forward to expanding our operations,” said John Phipps, manager of the Conagra Brands Macon factory. “This expansion represents a meaningful investment in both our business and the local community, and we’re proud to continue building our presence here.”
The plant’s upgrade assures the retention of 340 existing positions in addition to the creation of new jobs, preserving the company’s status as Macon County’s largest employer.
The project will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies modernize and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Conagra may receive 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.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Conagra is one of North America’s leading branded food companies. A major supplier to retail frozen foods sector, in addition to Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s, its brand portfolio includes Birds Eye, Banquet, Gardein and Frontera. Net sales generated in fiscal 2024 topped $12 billion.
