Hormel Foods is beginning construction on a new production facility in Dubuque, IA, which is expected to be operational by November 2009.  The $89 million facility will occupy 327,000 sq. ft. and will create 180 new jobs. The plan will allow the company to increase its production capability in shelf-stable microwave meals.

Tyson Foods is planning a $10 million expansion at its Springdale, AR Berry Street plant that will include a deboning process that is currently handled by an outside vendor.  The new line will add about 370 jobs. Another $17.6 million expansion will include equipment capable of carrying larger chickens throughout the plant.

Nestlé Prepared Foods Company plans to invest more than $60 million to expand its frozen foods facility in Jonesboro, AR. A new production line will be installed, and a new bakery will produce pizza for the company’s Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine brands. Pizza production should begin in 2009.

Zentis GMBH & Co. KG, selected Shambaugh & Son for the conversion of a 150,000-sq.-ft. facility in Plymouth, IN to produce aseptic fruit fillings for yogurt and ice cream.  Dry warehouse space was converted into freezers and coolers. Refrigeration and utility systems required major upgrades, and a plant-wide fiber optic communication system was installed.

Richmond Cold Storage completed the expansion of its Richmond, VA facility. The 184,000-sq.-ft. temperature-controlled ware-- house space provides storage temperatures ranging from -20