FAIRWATER, WIS. — Bonduelle USA, Inc., a French, family-run company involved in the processing and commercialization of canned and frozen vegetables in the United States, has announced plans to invest at least $5 million to expand operations at its facility in Lebanon, Pa. The expansion will result in the creation of 35 new, full-time jobs.

Bonduelle packages frozen products for major private label brands and also markets vegetables under its own brands.

As part of the expansion, Bonduelle plans to purchase new machinery and equipment and add two new frozen vegetable processing and packaging lines, increasing output to 75 million lbs from 45 million lbs annually by 2023. The expansion also will streamline operations and boost efficiency with the integration of new automated technology, Bonduelle said.

Bonduelle acquired the Lebanon facility from Seneca Foods Corp. in 2019. The plant was built in 2008 and acquired by Seneca in 2010.

“Bonduelle is excited to work with Governor Wolf’s office to increase our business in Pennsylvania and create new jobs in the Lebanon, Pa., community,” said Jeremie Williams, manager of US packaging operations. “We know that there are many opportunities at the Lebanon plant and are looking forward to continuing to see the site grow with new technology and people. Bonduelle is committed to building a better future through plant-based food, feeding future generations, and is dedicated to putting our people and communities at the heart of what we do.”

Bonduelle received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $70,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a $35,000 workforce development grant to help the company train workers, and a $400,000 Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan.

Bonduelle operates in 100 countries, with 17 facilities across North America.