Dole Food Co. has announced a US$9m expansion project at a facility in Ohio – a move that will see 140 new jobs created.

The expansion of the factory in Springfield will see the addition of three packaging lines and one processing line. It will allow for the production of Dole’s tenderleaf items consisting of spinach, spring mix and baby lettuce packaged vegetable products.

“Our Springfield facility was the best location for us to expand and add this new capacity,” said plant manager John Lochra.

“This investment will add new capabilities to our Springfield operations allowing us to supply the north-eastern portion of the United States more efficiently.”