General Mills has announced a $54 million investment to expand its James Ford Bell (JFB) Technical Center in Minneapolis, MN, a key hub for the company’s innovation, technology, and quality capabilities. The expansion includes a new, 35,000 sq ft, two-story pilot plant wing, increasing pilot plant space by more than 20% and providing state-of-the-art facilities for research and development teams.

This investment reinforces General Mills’ commitment to driving breakthrough advancements, creating consumer-focused products, and supporting long-term growth. The new wing will offer flexible spaces to accelerate innovation across business units, accommodate evolving demands, and support both core growth and new initiatives.

“This expansion is a critical step in ensuring General Mills remains at the forefront of innovation,” says Lanette Shaffer Werner, chief innovation, technology, and quality officer, General Mills. “The new wing at our James Ford Bell 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.”

General Mills hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the milestone, which represents the largest investment in the JFB Technical Center to date. Originally built in 1960, the facility is home to approximately 1,000 employees who continue its legacy of pioneering food innovation. The new space is scheduled to open in fall 2027.