Ajinomoto Foods North America is adding two production lines to increase output at its frozen food plant in Oakland, Mississippi. The $27.3 million project will raise the number of employees at the site by 15 to approximately 450.
“For 13 years, Ajinomoto Foods has been growing its Oakland operations, providing gainful employment for hundreds of Mississippians in Yalobusha County,” said Tate Reeves, that state’s governor. “This latest expansion starts the new decade on a positive note for economic development as we continue working with our existing businesses to help them succeed in Mississippi and provide good jobs for our workforce.”
The Tokyo, Japan-headquartered company operates nine factories and two main offices in the United States. With over 2,800 people on the US payroll, Ajinomoto specializes in making Asian-, Mexican- and Italian-style frozen entrees, appetizers and snacks as well as Umami seasoning and sauces. Its range of 12 retail and foodservice brands includes Tai Pei, Golden Tiger, Ling Ling, José Olé, Posada, Original Chili Bowl, Bernardi and Fred’s.
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is providing assistance for the transportation and installation of the new production lines.
“Ajinomoto Foods’ aggressive expansion in Oakland speaks volumes about the quality of trained, dedicated people in Yalobusha County who give the company a workforce advantage to achieve their goals in our great state,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr.
