On Thursday, the Campbell Soup Company announced it would be investing in a variety of projects to optimize its supply chain and fuel company growth.
The company will invest $230 million in three facilities through 2026 to crease more agile facilities. The investment is expected to create 210 positions across the company and will include new training and development programs for employees.
“To fuel growth and transform our manufacturing and distribution network, we must invest and further strengthen our supply chain,” Dan Poland, Campbell’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, said. “By leveraging our best-in-class in-house capabilities combined with the expertise of trusted manufacturing partners, we will continue to make the highest quality products, with a more agile, flexible, and cost-effective manufacturing network. We continue to evaluate optimization opportunities across the network to build our supply chain of the future.”
The investments include $150 million for a new aseptic soup production facility in Maxton, N.C.; $72 million for additional potato chip kettles in Hanover, Pa.; and $8 million to expand tortilla chip capacity in Franklin, Wis. Additionally, the company previously announced it would expand production of Goldfish crackers at its plant in Richmond, Utah. The new line, which is expected to be up and running by the end of this year, will increase Goldfish cracker output by 50 percent and add 80 new position.
The investments will mean plant closings, however. Campbell said it will close its Tualatin, Ore., plant. The closure will come in phases and is the plant is expected to cease operations completely by July 2026. The plant’s soup and broth production will move to other thermal and aseptic plants, and plant-based beverages produced at the plant will move to company manufacturing partners.
The company will also shift production of kettle potato chips to its plants in Charlotte, N.C., and Hanover, Pa., and convert its Jeffersonville, IN plant to specialize in tortilla chips. The change will go into effect in July and impact about 85 employees.
“We recognize this is difficult news for our teams in Tualatin and Jeffersonville,” Poland said. “Any action that impacts our people is made with careful deliberation, and we are committed to provide support and assistance during these changes.”