AUSTIN, Minn. – Following a report on Sept. 25, Hormel Foods Corp. officially announced it would be investing approximately $150 million into expanding its Burke Marketing Corp. facility in Nevada, Iowa.

Hormel stated that it would add 210,000 sq. ft. to its existing 225,000-sq.-ft. facility including warehouses and offices.

The expansion would also include 210 new jobs in addition to the current 350 employees. The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board said that 52 of the 210 jobs are incented at a qualifying hourly wage of $24.95.

"This expansion of our Burke facility is a significant and strategic investment, allowing us to continue to expand and accelerate growth in our foodservice portfolio," said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and CEO at Hormel Foods. "Burke has been a leader in the pizza topping industry, and this expansion will provide them with the additional capacity to meet the growing demand for its products."

Burke Marketing Corp. manufactures meat crumbles, meatballs, pepperoni and diced meats at the Iowa plant. The company provides its products to pizza operators, food manufactures and food distributors.

"This investment is a testament to the Burke team and the pride every one of our team members puts into the creation of our customer's products," said Chad Randick, president of Burke Marketing Corporation. "The expansion will be a positive force for the Nevada community, bringing added jobs and boosting the local economy. We are proud to expand in Nevada and Story County where Burke has called home since 1974."

Construction for the expansion is expected to begin by the end of the year, following approvals at the local and state level. An expected completion date was set for early 2020.