A manufacturer’s expansion will bring 60 new jobs to Joplin with the possibility of more in the future.
HS Baking formally announced Tuesday it will locate its snack and cracker operations in Joplin at its new flagship bakery.
The $8 million project includes the purchase of new equipment and a manufacturing plant that was previously operated by General Mills. Renovations to that facility will being in the next few months and recruitment of workers starts this week.
HS Baking will hold a job fair at the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Joplin Career Center, located at 105 Rangeline Road, Suite 2, on Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The company is seeking candidates for a variety of positions, including but not limited to, purchasing manager, plant engineer, packaging operators, oven and dough machine operators, and other office and warehouse positions.
“This facility has a nearly 70-year history of baking quality products, and it is wonderful to see it coming back into operation so quickly after it was shut down,” said Joplin Mayor Mike Seibert said in a news release. “We appreciate HS Baking for its investment in Joplin and for its sincere recognition of the proud history of this facility and its people.”
The HS Baking project is the latest major food operation expansion in Joplin. Two years ago, Heartland Pet Foods Manufacturing recently cut the ribbon on its flagship $90 million factory. Today, the business employs 150 full-time workers. And last year, Joplin was selected as the new home of global building manufacturer Owens Corning’s new plant. According to the city, that’s also a $90 million investment which projects to bring 100 new jobs.
Gov. Jay Nixon’s office says the Missouri Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation criteria.