Ajinomoto Announces Fifth Expansion At Oakland
OAKLAND – Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., (AFNA) a leading manufacturer in the frozen food industry, is increasing capacity for rice production at it’s plant in Oakland. The project is a $27.3 million corporate investment, raising the number of employees to 450.
“For 13 years, Ajinomoto Foods has been growing its Oakland operations, providing gainful employment for hundreds of Mississippians in Yalobusha County,” Gov. Tate Reeves said in a press release. “This latest expansion starts the new decade on a positive note for economic development as we continue working with our existing businesses, such as Ajinomoto Foods, to help them succeed in Mississippi and provide good jobs for our workforce.”
The news broke during a press conference last Thursday as state and local officials joined corporate workers from Ajinomoto for a ceremonial ground breaking for the expansion.
“We are happy to be here for the fifth expansion of Ajinomoto Foods,” Mississippi Development Authority deputy director Jamie Miller said last week during the groundbreaking. “Today is a perfect example of a partnership between the private sector and public sector on all levels.”
Also speaking was AFNA President and CEO Madea Sumio, who expressed his gratitude for the local support for the expansion. Sumio has served in his current role for one year and has been involved in Ajinomoto business in over 36 different counties.
The expansion marks the fifth since Windsor Foods started production at the Oakland plant in 2008, and the third following the 2014 purchase of the plant by AFNA, a worldwide leader in manufacturing specialty frozen foods for consumers, commercial restaurants and food service operations.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for the transportation and installation of the new production lines.
“Ajinomoto Foods aggressive expansion in Oakland speaks volumes about the quality 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. “We salute the leadership of Coach Bob Tyler and our partners at the Yalobusha County Economic Development District for their teamwork with MDA, which has been instrumental in bringing this win to fruition.”
Ajinomoto Foods plans to fill the 15 new jobs by December.
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