General Mills Expands US Innovation Centre for Future Growth

General Mills is expanding its R&D facility in Minnesota, the James Ford Bell Technical Center, by adding a new pilot plant wing. The $54m investment aims to increase space by over 20% and support innovation, technology, and quality capabilities. The move is seen as a critical step to remain at the forefront of innovation. The center houses about 1,000 General Mills employees and is expected to be operational by autumn 2027.

Minneapolis, MN — General Mills Inc. has announced a significant investment in the expansion of its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Center. The company plans to invest $54 million to add a 35,000-square-foot, two-story pilot plant wing, which will increase pilot plant space by more than 20% [1]. This expansion is a critical step in ensuring General Mills remains at the forefront of innovation, as stated by Lanette Shaffer Werner, chief innovation, technology, and quality officer [1].

The new wing will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the company's research and development teams, offering greater flexibility to meet evolving demands and providing more space for both core growth and new business initiatives [2]. The expansion will house approximately 1,000 General Mills employees, who work on food innovation at the JFB Technical Center, which was originally built in 1960 [1]. The new space is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.

This investment follows a period of volatile operating conditions, with General Mills projecting nearly flat net sales in fiscal year 2026 amid widespread uncertainty from tariffs, global conflicts, and changing regulations [3]. The company's fiscal 2025 net sales amounted to about $19 billion, and it anticipates a 10-15% decline in adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share on a constant-currency basis in fiscal year 2026 [3].

The expansion of the JFB Technical Center underscores General Mills' commitment to innovation and technology, positioning the company to better meet consumer demands and drive future growth. The new pilot plant wing will empower the company's teams to collaborate more effectively and deliver the next generation of consumer-centric products.

References:
[1] https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/13133-general-mills-to-invest-54-million-in-r-and-d-facility-expansion
[2] https://www.foodprocessing.com/business-of-food-beverage/capital-spending/news/55312711/general-mills-unveils-54-million-expansion-of-james-ford-bell-technical-center
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/general-mills-expand-us-innovation-104901041.html