Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA) has launched a new production line at its Toluca, Ill., facility — the third major investment in the central Illinois facility in four years. The new line means 75 new jobs, which pushes the plant’s total workforce over the 350 mark, according to a release shared with Food Processing by the company.
The new line will allow AFNA to increase production of Asian-style dumplings sold at club stores and grocery stores across the country. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ajinomoto Group, and it produces culturally inspired frozen foods under brands such as Ajinomoto, Jose Ole, Ling Ling and Tai Pei.
“This expansion isn’t just about increasing output,” Dave Gardner, chief supply chain officer, said in the release. “It’s about investing in a community we call home. We’re proud to grow with Toluca.”
Alex Stoeger, senior director of operations for AFNA — and longtime Toluca resident — said expanding the Toluca plant was an easy decision, since “the workforce here is dependable, hardworking, and just a fantastic team.”
