Capacity expansion adds 40 new jobs

CAMDEN, N.J., Sept. 16, 2020 – Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) today announced that it has invested $40 million in its Willard, Ohio, manufacturing facility to expand Goldfish production capacity to meet the increased demand for the product across North America.

The new line, which features a new oven and additional packaging capabilities, is the largest of its kind across the Campbell Snacks portfolio and can produce 11 million individual crackers per day, bringing the Willard bakery’s capacity up to 50 million Goldfish crackers each day. The expansion also adds more than 40 new jobs at the facility.

“With this added capacity, we are better able to meet the ongoing consumer demand for this beloved product, especially as we head into the key back-to-school season,” said Valerie Oswalt, Executive Vice President and President Campbell Snacks. “None of this would have been possible without the team’s extraordinary efforts to safely and effectively complete this project one month ahead of schedule, despite the challenges.”

Installation for the new line was already underway when the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting North America in March. The project was temporarily paused as new protocols were put in place to ensure the project teams’ safety, including requiring quarantines and testing for out-of-state team members traveling to the site for installation and quality testing. Where travel wasn’t possible, engineers used remote communications tools to walk through assembly. The new line began operations in July, well ahead of schedule.

Willard, Ohio, with a population of 6,000 is the site of the company’s largest Goldfish bakery, referred to as the Goldfish Capital of the World. The bakery employs 700 and plays an integral part in making Goldfish America’s #1 kids snack cracker*. Made with real cheese that is aged to perfection, Goldfish were introduced in America in 1962 by Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin.

Throughout the pandemic, Campbell’s top priority has been ensuring employees’ health, safety and well-being. More information about employee safety protocols can be found here.

About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell (NYSE:CPB) is driven and inspired by our purpose, “Real food that matters for life’s moments.” For generations, people have trusted Campbell to provide authentic, flavorful and affordable snacks, soups and simple meals, and beverages. Founded in 1869, Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the planet’s natural resources. The company is a member of the Standard and Poor’s 500 and the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com or follow company news on Twitter via @CampbellSoupCo.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cohen
203-6102940
[email protected]

*IRI: Total US -Multi Outlet + Conv L52wks 5-12-19

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