General Mills is investing $54m into the expansion of its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Centre, a central hub for its innovation, technology, and quality capabilities.
The expansion will include a new 35,000ft2, two-storey pilot plant wing, increasing the pilot plant space by over 20% to enhance research and development facilities.
General Mills said the investment will advance its long-term growth by accelerating research and innovation across its business units.
The expanded centre will offer flexible spaces to meet evolving market demands and support both core growth and new business initiatives.
General Mills chief innovation, technology and quality officer Lanette Shaffer Werner said: “This expansion is a critical step in ensuring General Mills remains at the forefront of innovation.
“The new wing at our James Ford Bell Technical Center will add much needed flexibility in our pilot plant operations and empower our teams to collaborate more effectively to deliver the next generation of consumer-centric products.”
The company held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the investment in the JFB Technical Centre.
Originally built in 1960, the facility is home to around 1,000 employees dedicated to pioneering food innovation. The new space is expected to open by autumn 2027.
General Mills, guided by its Accelerate strategy, focuses on brand development and innovation.
Its portfolio includes Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, and Yoki.
In the fiscal year 2025, the company reported net sales of $19bn, with an additional $1bn from non-consolidated joint ventures.
