General Mills flourishing; expands production

‘Flourish and expand’

General Mills’ 2020 expansion means jobs for Covington’s next generation

By TOM SPIGOLON

tspigolon@covnews.com

Local and state experts believe General Mills’ expansion announced in September 2020 is a good indicator a 32-year industry will continue to operate in Newton County.

David Bernd, executive director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, said the expansion and capital investment for production of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal “helps solidify a second generation of General Mills employees right here in Newton County.”

“The Newton County IDA is extremely excited that, over the past four years, we have been able to navigate and overcome severe headwinds, ensuring a 30-year career staple in our community is able to flourish and expand,” Bernd said.

The Covington plant employs about 400 and is responsible for producing several varieties of cereal and snack products, the release stated.

This is an aerial view of General Mills’ plant in northeast Covington. (Special to The News)

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The company boosted production of one of the country’s most popular cereal brands by expanding their Cinnamon Toast Crunch operations and was adding 40 jobs in the process, Gov. Brian Kemp announced in September.

Increased operations began in the same month at the Covington facility at 15200 Industrial Park Blvd. NE, the governor’s office said.

Company spokeswoman Hanna Johnson said the expansion was one of the largest capital projects in General Mills’ history.

Griffin Bell, the company’s senior associate brand manager for Cinnamon Toast Crunch, said in a posting on the company’s blog “Taste of General Mills” that the cereal brand “has a strong runway for growth.”

“This new line will give us the opportunity to expand our capacity and accelerate the brand,” Bell said.

Roxie Simon, plant manager of General Mills Covington, said the company “has a long legacy of making food the world loves, right here in Georgia.”

“Cinnamon Toast Crunch is one of our most beloved brands as the No. 2 cereal in the United States, and growing.

“We are proud to partner with the state to create new jobs, tap into some great local talent, and expand our capacity to make even more of this family favorite in Covington.”

Bernd said securing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch expansion project “involved dozens of team members from Covington to Minneapolis.”

The IDA worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development on the project.

The company’s work in the Newton County community since 1989 has included the Covington Hometown Grant Program, which has helped support local families in need.

“The partnership the company has developed with the community and the support that it provides to our K-12 students, workforce development, arts programs and health initiatives like the ‘Cheerios Challenge,’ has made the entire General Mills family a vital interwoven partner to the region,” Bernd said.

Minneapolis,-based General Mills produces food brands including Cheerios, Annie’s, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki, BLUE and more.