Food manufacturer J.M. Smucker Co., is making a significant investment in the Topeka region through an expansion of its manufacturing facility to support its workforce and continued growth of the business. The project includes a capital investment of $17.8 million in real property and $2.7 million in equipment.
"We are excited to continue to expand our operations in Topeka to support the consumers who count on our beloved brands, including Meow Mix and Milk-Bone, and the dedicated workforce that works diligently to continue to deliver these high-quality products," said Luke Livingston, Director, Operations, The J.M. Smucker Co. "Our facility has been part of the Topeka community for more than 55 years and this investment represents our commitment to continue to grow together."
To accelerate this growth, the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board of Topeka and Shawnee County has approved economic development incentives totaling $383,000, aimed at supporting the company's long-term success and strengthening the local economy.
"This significant investment by an industry leader in Smucker represents a major step forward for Topeka's manufacturing sector," said Rhiannon Friedman, President of GO Topeka. "This investment enhances our industrial base and creates further opportunities for sustained economic growth and we're proud to partner with a company that shares our vision for a thriving community."
Reser's Fine Foods also recently announced a $34 million expansion, creating 60 jobs and further cementing Topeka's reputation as a hub for advanced food production and innovation. Together, these investments reflect sustained momentum in the region's food manufacturing sector and its growing importance within the broader supply chain.
That growth is being reinforced by the upcoming launch of LINK Innovation, which will provide dedicated space and programming to support product development, commercialization and access to capital for food and beverage companies. Structured to connect established manufacturers with emerging brands and investors, LINK Innovation adds another layer to Topeka's coordinated ecosystem, strengthening the pipeline from production to innovation to scale.