The Hillshire Brands Co., a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark., is making major improvements to its Tarboro, N.C., bakery plant as part of an ongoing plan to meet growing demand and maximize efficiencies. The $28 million project will create nearly 100 jobs. 

The plant produces croissants, biscuits, layer cakes, sheet cakes, muffins, pound cakes and cobblers. The project will also add lines for gluten-free and non-GMO waffles for retail customers.

“We’re glad to invest in our Tarboro plant, which will mean more jobs for the city,” says Wes Morris, president of prepared foods for Tyson Foods. “The existing infrastructure, location and availability of a qualified workforce make the plant ideal for this expansion project.”

The Tarboro plant opened in 2000 as part of the Sara Lee Corp., which became The Hillshire Brands in 2011. Hillshire Brands was acquired by Tyson Foods in 2014. The facility currently employs nearly 700 people.