EYE ON OPERATIONS

The state of Kentucky reported thatThe Kroger Co. will spend $10.6 million to add 50,000 square feet to its 177,000-square-footCountry Oven Bakeryin Bowling Green, Ky.  The operation reportedly produces frozen dough products, breads and iced cakes for Kroger. Plant officials told theBowling Green (Ky.) Daily Newsthey expect to complete the addition this fall and start new production there in December or January.

Buffalo, N.Y.'sWGRZNBC affiliate reported that Buffalo-basedRich Products Corp. plans to close its local plant by the of July. Rich's Niagara Street facility has been producing fruit-based concentrates for fruit smoothies and fruit shakes. Officials said those operations will be shifted to another Rich's plant in Ohio this summer.

A recent start-up,Saratoga Cheese Corp., Albany, N.Y., is moving ahead with plans to build a $41 million cheese processing plant in Auburn, N.Y., according to a report by Auburn, N.Y.'sCitizennewspaper. Officials reportedly are moving ahead with development plans after submitting a down payment for land in an adjacent Aurelius industrial park. Saratoga officials say the operation will initially produce gourmet feta and brie cheeses.