Conagra Brands has announced plans to place eight acres of solar panels at its facility in St. Elmo, Illinois
The energy generated will be equivalent to the amount needed to produce approximately 35% of all Wish-Bone salad dressings as well as Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrups that are produced at the plant.
The project is being developed and installed by SolAmerica Energy. Work is set to begin this winter with completion slated for spring 2020.
“At Conagra Brands, we strive to be mindful of our impact on the environment,” said Katya Hantel, director of sustainable development for Conagra Brands. “Exploring renewable energy technologies is just one of the many ways the company is investing in a more sustainable future.”
SolAmerica Energy CEO Stan Allen added: “SolAmerica is excited to partner with Conagra Brands to help bring large-scale renewable energy to Illinois. Our shared desire to pursue a project that would be both financially and environmentally beneficial was a recipe for success in bringing the deal together.”
Conagra Brands said it is also exploring renewable energy technologies at other facilities within its network.
The company is currently building a new innovation site next to its headquarters in Chicago. The 40,000-square-foot Center for Food Design will focus on innovation related to snacking, described by Conagra as “one of the fastest-growing occasions in food”. The facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020.
In its most recent quarterly results, Conagra reported a 30.3% net sales growth, as it was boosted by its acquisition of Pinnacle Foods.
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