The state of Illinois has announced an almost $3.8 million business investment package for General Mills to help expand its current Belvidere facility and bring in a new frozen production line. The company is investing $38 million in this major expansion project, which will create 50 new jobs over the next two years and keep 500 other jobs there. 

“General Mills' expansion of our Belvidere facility will include investments in technology and improvements to the plant. A key factor in this investment is our partnership with the State of Illinois,” said Vince Castle, General Mills plant manager. “The Belvidere facility has been part of this community for more than 100 years, and General Mills is proud to build on that legacy.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is administering the business investment package that includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits over ten years based on job creation and retention, a grant for infrastructure improvements, Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce and additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation and retention, resulting from the company’s location within an Enterprise Zone.   

Growth Dimensions for Belvidere-Boone County and the city of Belvidere have also been working with General Mills on expanding the boundaries of the Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise  Zone.  The proposed expansion would include property on Coleman Avenue, which has recently been acquired by General Mills to be utilized for the expansion projects. 

We continue to fully support and partner with General Mills in any projects that will continue to increase their competitiveness within their industry and attract further product lines,” stated Mark Williams, executive director of Growth Dimensions for Belvidere-Boone County.  “We appreciate the company’s commitment to our community, not only through their outstanding corporate citizenship, but also their willingness to give back to the community.

General Mills commitment to the Belvidere community goes far beyond their recent investment and job creation.  The company’s corporate citizenry results in bettering the lives of thousands of people in the Belvidere area.  General Mills-Belvidere’s donation from the Belvidere United Way represents over 60 percent of the total local United Way budget.  The 2007 campaign raised 10% more than last year reaching the level of $373,685. 

Community leaders are pleased to see that General Mills, a significant company in Belvidere, continues to grow and remain a strong economic asset to the area.

"It's great to see the continuing expansion.  Equally as important to creating 50 new jobs is the security of the current 500 jobs, “stated city of Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton.  “General Mills/Green Giant is a great corporate citizen and we are extremely happy for its success." 

General Mills, with annual net sales of $12.5 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products.  Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million.  General Mills also is a leading supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.