COLUMBUS, GA — Nearly two years after The J.M. Smucker Co. acquired Hostess Brands and its Columbus, GA, bakery, the company announced plans to invest $120 million in the facility.

The investment will add 48 jobs to the more than 350 already at the commercial bakery. The Hostess facility has been operating for more than 55 years, even amid disruption during its 2013 bankruptcy.

Missy Kendrick, president and CEO of Choose Columbus — which leads the city’s economic development efforts — assured the bakery’s continued operation.

“I think our community has kind of been on pins and needles when that happened, wondering if they were going to close the door,” she said. “This is more than the announcement of 48 new jobs; it’s the retention of 360 existing jobs … I think this company solidifying their presence here and their growth here is probably a positive shot in the arm our community needs.”

Construction has already begun to expand the Hostess facility’s capacity and is expected to be completed by early 2027.