US-based savoury snacks maker Herr Foods is investing $31m to add a new facility and expand an existing one.

The move will create 125 new jobs.

The business, which makes crisps, cheese curls, pretzels and popcorn and owns the brands Herr’s, Good Natured and Cheyenne, has announced that it will invest $25m in a new plant in Jackson, Ohio. This will generate 75 new positions.

An additional $6m will be invested in the company’s Chillicothe facility, in the same state, creating 50 new jobs.

The new positions generated by this move will see the company more than double the number of its employees in Ohio.

Herr Foods has purchased an industrial site in Jackson, which includes a warehouse.

Ed Herr, CEO of the business said: “This investment represents our commitment to serving our customers better and providing opportunities in the local community. We look forward to contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Jackson and Chillicothe areas.”

The company is collaborating on the initiative with local organisations such as JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) , the Jackson County Ohio Economic Development Partnership and the Jackson Civic Improvement Corporation.

Katy Farber, vice president of OhioSE, said: “The new jobs and investment tied to this project will work to further ensure the company’s long-term future in our region.”

Herr Foods is headquartered in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1946 and currently employs more than 1,400 people. It has more than 340 snack products which are sold throughout the US and worldwide. Prior to its new facility announcement, it operated 20 plants in six US states.