Sargento Foods, Plymouth, Wis., finalized the building design and is moving into the construction phase for a major expansion to its existing Elkhart Lake, Wis., technical center.

The Elkhart Lake site was one of Sargento Foods’ first facilities, purchased from Elkhart Lake Canning Co. in 1956. Currently, the technical center houses engineering, research and development and culinary departments.

“Sargento remains steadfast in our commitment to growing in Wisconsin,” says Louie Gentine, chief executive officer. “We look forward to expanding our Elkhart Lake facility to support new product innovation and accommodate our growing family of employees.”

When completed, the site will have capacity for up to 140 employees and include additional office space, parking, product development laboratories and a relocated lobby area. Sixty people are assigned to the current building with another 20 people located at other Sargento facilities. Planned employee growth from various Sargento departments is expected to fill the expanded Elkhart Lake facility in approximately five years.

Construction will begin during the second half of 2015 with occupancy expected by early- to mid-2016.