AUSTIN, Minn. – Hormel Foods Corp. will break ground Friday at a new production facility in Dubuque, Iowa. The new plant, Progressive Packaging LLC, will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods.

“Iowa has been at the center of feeding this country and the world for more than a century, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the people of Iowa to deliver great-tasting, nutritious meals to consumers throughout our system,” said Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and CEO.

The plant is expected to be operational by November 2009. Initially, a total of 180 new jobs will be created with more expected in future phases. Total cost of the project is estimated at $89 million.

Source: Hormel Foods Corp.