General Mills is expanding its Hannibal, Missouri facility, adding an Old El Paso hard-shell taco production line and creating more than 35 new jobs.  

The facility, operational since 1972, currently produces brands such as Nature Valley, Betty Crocker and Progresso, aand employs aaround 1,000 people.  

Old El Paso is General Mills' Tex-Mex food products range.

The expansion involves increased infrastructure and greater square footage.

General Mills plant manager Tim Johnson said: “Hannibal is a key manufacturing facility for General Mills and this latest investment will enable us to expand our footprint and grow our plant community.” 

The new positions created through General Mills' expansion will offer wages “well above” the county average, the company said.   

For this expansion, General Mills, which also makes Cheerios and Yoki, will receive support from the Missouri Works programme.  

The initiative aids businesses in growth and workforce retention by providing access to capital via withholdings or tax credits for creating jobs. 

Additionally, Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development, may provide support with recruitment and training requirements. 

General Mills' recent activities include an agreement to acquire Whitebridge Pet Brands' North American cat-food and pet-treats business for $1.45bn.  

This deal includes two manufacturing facilities in Joplin, Missouri, and brands such as Tiki Pets and Cloud Star.  

It is expected to enhance General Mills' pet-food portfolio, which already includes Blue Buffalo. 

In September, General Mills sold its US and Canadian yogurt businesses to Lactalis and Sodiaal for $2.1bn.