MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills is making big moves to expand its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Center, announcing its $54 million investment in the facility. The expanded center will accelerate research and innovation across the company’s business units, offering greater flexibility to meet evolving demands.

As a key hub for the company’s innovation, technology and quality capabilities, it’s important for the JFB Technical Center to house state-of-the-art resources for its research and development teams. The expansion will add a new 35,000-square-foot, two-story pilot plant wing, increasing the space by more than 20%.

“This expansion is a critical step in ensuring General Mills remains at the forefront of innovation,” said Lanette Shaffer Werner, chief innovation, technology and quality officer for General Mills. “The new wing at our JFB Technical Center will add much-needed flexibility in our pilot plant operations and empower our teams to collaborate more effectively to deliver the next generation of consumer-centric products.”

On Aug. 26, the baking company hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the milestone, marking the largest investment made in the JFB Technical Center to date. The updated space is scheduled to open Fall 2027.