Bonduelle USA announces $5 million expansion to Pennsylvania plant

Bonduelle USA has announced a $5 million expansion to its Lebanon County, Pennsylvania canned and frozen vegetable processing plant.

Bonduelle USA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Bonduelle US Holding, a French, family-owned company. The expansion will lead to 35 new full-time jobs.

The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $70,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a $35,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers, and a $400,000 Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan. The project was coordinated by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

“This funding allows Bonduelle to continue its mission of looking at the future of food while confronting environmental challenges through responsible farming practices — all while bringing new jobs to the region,” Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said through a press release. “My administration is pleased to support Bonduelle as they continue to grow in Pennsylvania and make upgrades that can support consumer demand.”

Bonduelle packages frozen products for major private label brands and also markets vegetables under its own brands. The expansion will include the purchase of new machinery and equipment and the addition of two new frozen vegetable processing and packaging lines, increasing output from 45 million pounds to 75 million pounds annually by 2023. The expansion will also streamline operations and boost efficiency with the integration of new automated technology.

“Bonduelle is excited to work with Governor Wolf’s office to increase our business in Pennsylvania and create new jobs in the Lebanon, Pennsylvania community,” said U.S. Packaging Operations Manager Jeremie Williams. “We know that there are many opportunities at the Lebanon plant and are looking forward to continuing to see the site grow with new technology and people. Bonduelle is committed to building a better future through plant-based food, feeding future generations, and is dedicated to putting our people and communities at the heart of what we do.”

Bonduelle operates in 100 countries, with 17 facilities across North America.