Kraft Foods Inc. plans to add 50 jobs and invest $9 million of capital into two new manufacturing lines at its Springfield plant, according to a Tuesday news release from Springfield Business Development Corp.
Production is expected to expand during the next six to nine months, and the new jobs could push employment above 1,000 people at the plant, 2035 E. Bennett St. The global food company has had a presence in the Springfield area since 1939, the release said.
“Kraft Foods has a long history of providing quality employment opportunities to our community,” said John Wanamaker, SBDC board president and BKD LLP partner, in the release. “The company’s decision to add jobs and expand its production here, shows its further commitment to the community, and hopefully other manufacturers will recognize the Springfield area as a good place to locate and do business.”
Kraft Foods was approved to receive $390,050 in state tax credits through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone Program, which assists in the creation of new jobs and investment. Kraft’s tax credits will span a five-year period in exchange for the new jobs and investment, according to the agreement.
Wages for the jobs created will be above the county average and include a comprehensive benefits package, the release said. The average pay for Greene County workers, according to the SBDC, is $32,569 a year, or $15.66 an hour.
According to
an August Springfield Business Journal report, Kraft intended to increase its Springfield work force by up to 75 jobs by the end of 2009.
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