H.J. Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, announced plans to expand its Masillon, Ohio, frozen food production facility. The $28 million expansion is said to add 249 local manufacturing jobs.

“Massillon will be a flagship of our North American business, becoming our Frozen Food Center of Excellence,” says Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs. “Heinz is committed to Ohio and excited for the growth that will come to Massillon as part of this significant investment. We look forward to continued collaboration with Governor Kasich and the State of Ohio as we further our leadership in the frozen food category of our business.”

This follows the company's announcement that it will be closing three North American plants, cutting about 1,350 jobs and consolidating its operations to increase efficiency. As part of this cost-cutting initiative, Heinz said it would invest in five other plants and add 470 positions, with Masillon marking the first expansion.