Ajinomoto Windsor, Inc., Ontario, Calif., announced plans to expand its frozen foods business in North America by opening a new state-of-the-art coated appetizer manufacturing and R&D facility in Joplin, Mo.

The new coated appetizer plant will allow Ajinomoto Windsor to increase capacity while maintaining strict quality standards. The Joplin facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, expanded innovation capabilities and enhanced food safety. It will also bring between 220-240 new jobs to the community.

“We are excited to be opening our new production facility in Joplin, Mo., in early 2018. This will allow us to not only support the growing needs of our customers, but also lead the industry in coated appetizer solutions,” says Chris Meyer, senior vice president business development.