TRENTON, Mo.—Nestlé announced that it has reached a conditional agreement with Conagra Brands, which will support the manufacturing of Chef-mate products in Trenton, Missouri.
Under this agreement, Nestlé will purchase from Conagra Brands the proprietary cooked-before-canning (CBC) line along with the factory building. The purchase of these assets will allow Nestlé to implement a focused and lean operation in Trenton. Nestlé will also manufacture certain products for Conagra Brands.
According to John Petro, director of Nestlé Professional human resources, “Nestlé plans to start an open hiring process in March. This means that anyone interested can apply, including all current factory employees and we will follow the same hiring policies we employ in all Nestlé locations.”
“We do not know exactly how many employees we will be hiring. However, we expect our needs to be similar to what will exist when Conagra Brands exits the factory, which right now is approximately 135 – 150 employees,” says Andy Darley, Nestlé Professional project manager.
Nestlé is committed to the Chef-mate brand and the proprietary cooked-before-canning process. This unique process was invented in Trenton, Missouri in 1964 to address the specific needs of the out-of-home industry.
“This announcement by Nestlé could not have come at a better time for the economic future of our community. I’m very excited this will happen and improve the business climate of Trenton and the region. This will help improve the quality of life for all of our citizens,” said Trenton Mayor Nick McHargue.
Completion of this agreement is targeted for May 2018 and is subject to the satisfaction of the terms, conditions, and contingencies set forth between Conagra Brands and Nestlé.
For more foodservice product news and information, please visit http://www.nestleprofessional.us.