Conagra Brands to invest US$29.1M to expand its frozen meal production plant
The move is expected to increase capacity and efficiency.
USA – Conagra Brands Inc. is in the process of expanding its manufacturing operations in Macon, Missouri, as part of a US$29.1 million project to meet growing consumer demand for frozen meals, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).
The Chicago-based food company plans to enlarge both the cooler and food preparation areas at the plant while also upgrading outdated production equipment such as ovens, freezers, and meat inspection systems.
The project also includes replacing the current dewatering and raw-meat processing systems with new technology designed to support a wider variety of products.
These upgrades are expected to enhance the plant’s ability to produce a broader range of frozen meals under brands such as Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s, the department said.
John Phipps, who manages the Macon facility, stated that the company is committed to maintaining its operations in the city and sees the expansion as both a business and community investment.
As part of the project, 26 new positions will be created while preserving 340 existing roles, which will allow Conagra to maintain its status as the top employer in Macon County.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe welcomed the announcement, pointing out Conagra’s long-standing presence in the community that dates back more than a century.
To support the expansion, Conagra will benefit from Missouri Works program incentives that include job creation tax credits and access to recruitment and training services through the Missouri One Start initiative.
The announcement comes at a time when Conagra’s frozen foods segment is showing steady growth, with the company reporting a 1.3% year-over-year increase in retail volume sales for frozen products in the third quarter of its 2025 fiscal year.
Although some categories, such as frozen vegetables and chicken-based frozen meals, experienced supply issues, gains were recorded in frozen desserts, single-serve meals, frozen breakfast items, whipped toppings, and hot dogs.
At the close of the quarter, Conagra held a 53% share of the single-serve frozen meals market, with volume rising by 0.6% compared to the previous year and by 2.2% over a two-year period.
Conagra CEO Sean Connolly said the company has seen volume growth for frozen products for three straight quarters, reflecting continued strong demand in this category.
The Macon expansion follows Conagra’s recent announcement that it will close its pie filling plant in Fennville, Michigan, by the end of June, a move that will affect 85 workers.
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