National Pasteurized Eggs (NPE) opened a new state-of-the-art plant in Flandreau, SD, which more than doubles its shell egg production. The facility will add up to 60 new jobs and is being operated in conjunction with Dakota Layers, LLP, a cooperative egg-laying farm founded by more than 120 farm families.

Perdue Farms plans to invest $3.7 million to expand production at one hatchery on Delmarva and another in eastern North Carolina as part of the company’s ongoing effort to improve operating efficiencies. The investment will increase hatch production by 40% at one of its Salisbury, MD hatcheries and nearly double hatch production in Kenly, NC. As a result, Perdue will close its hatcheries in Showell and Bishopville, MD in early May of 2010.

The Sandridge Food Corp. located in Medina, OH, has begun construction of a 10,000-sq.-ft. expansion that is expected to add 50 jobs to the company over the next three years. This expansion adds to a 26,000-sq.-ft. addition that was constructed last year.

Sara Lee Corp. is spending $11 million on new equipment for its Tarboro, NC plant. The facility was remodeled to make room for new bread-making equipment, and is expected to create 45 new jobs.

General Mills plans to expand its pizza plant in Wellston, OH at an approximate cost of $70 million. The expansion includes a 28,000 sq.-ft. warehouse and 6,000 sq.-ft. of manufacturing space.