Herr Foods, Inc., Harrisburg, Pa., is strengthening its presence in Pennsylvania with a $15 million expansion of its existing manufacturing operation in Chester County. The company also will create 64 new jobs within three years and retain 470 current positions at its Nottingham facility. The expansion project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), which is composed of economic development professionals who report to Gov. Edward G. Rendell.

Baking industry supplier The Bundy Cos., Urbana, Ohio, has acquired Shaffer Manufacturing Corp., Sidney, Ohio, a leader in horizontal mixers for the bread, roll, cookie, cracker, snack and  confectionary markets.

AACC International, St. Paul, Minn., has designed a symposium and workshop titled “Mitigating the Impact of Biofuels Demand on Food Products” to help decision makers anticipate the challenges resulting from the demand for grain-based biofuels, which is set to have a significant impact on the cost and availability of grain-based food and beverages. The event will take place July 26-28 at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook, Ill. For details, visit www.AACCnet.org .

During the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo, July 28-Aug. 1 in Chicago, National Starch Food Innovation, Bridgewater, N.J., will demonstrate how “Texture Changes Everything,” showcasing its texture expertise and the important and potential impact texture has on bakery products. In addition to sampling an array of culinary prototypes, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the breadth of texture possibilities in an innovative Texture Demonstration Station. For more information about NSFI, visit www.FoodInnovation.com. For more information about the Institute of Food Technologists, visit www.IFT.org .

Shearer’s Foods, Inc., Brewster, Ohio, recently celebrated the grand opening of Buehler’s 13th Fresh Market store in Canton, Jackson Township, Ohio, with a special appearance by a Grand Prix of Cleveland Show Car, which was used in the 2007 Champ Car World Series of Races. With the opening, the store is running a special Buy One/Get One Free promotion on its Shearer’s 11.5-oz. Classic and Rippled Potato Chips.

In other news, Shearer’s Foods was honored at the inaugural Leading EDGE Awards in May at the University of Akron. The Entrepreneurs EDGE (Economic Development through Growth and Entrepreneurship) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping middle-market companies in Northeast Ohio grow their value while building a culture that is supportive of entrepreneurial values.

Stewart Systems, Inc., Plano, Texas, a manufacturer of bread and bun equipment, has acquired UK-based Spooner Vicars, Ltd., which serves complimentary bakery markets in the biscuit/snack, bread and cereal sectors. Together, the two companies have more than 200 years of corporate experience. Wayne Poteet, previous owner of Spooner Vicars, will remain a managing director. For more information, visit www.Stewart-Systems.com and www.Spooner-Vicars.com.

Fisher Nuts, a brand of John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., Elgin, Ill., is an official sponsor of the 43rd Pillsbury Bake-Off, which has been recognizing and rewarding creative home cooks across America since 1949. Fisher Chef’s Naturals provide easy and nutritious ways to add flavor and pizzazz to any dish without having to chop, sliver, crush or grind up the nuts. Fisher Chef’s Naturals come in more than 15 varieties, including pecans, almonds, walnuts, nut toppings, raw peanuts, cashews and pine nuts. The Pillsbury Bake-Off will award winners in five recipe categories based on taste, appearance, creativity and consumer appeal. One Grand Prize winner will win cash and kitchen appliance prizes worth more than $1 million. For more information about Fisher Nuts, visit www.FisherNuts.com. For details about the Pillsbury Bake-Off, go to www.BakeOff.Yahoo.com .

PotatoFinger Snack Foods, Atlanta, has reached an agreement with Associated Food Stores, Inc. in Salt Lake City to offer PotatoFinger Potato Chips in more than 500 independently owned supermarkets throughout eight Western states, including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.