UPDATE: Kraft Heinz plans more than $90-million in improvements at Columbia plant; they’re seeking property tax abatement

The 16^th-largest employer in Columbia/Boone County is planning $92-million in improvements to their plant on Columbia’s Waco road over the next five years.

That word from 939 the Eagle’s Mike Murphy, the publisher of Comobuz. The Kraft Heinz plant on Waco road is the only plant in North America that makes Oscar Mayer hot dogs. Murphy reports the company is seeking a property tax abatement from local governments of about $3.75 million dollars over the next ten years, on new equipment they would be purchasing for the project.  The planned improvements include a modernization of the facility and replacement of three packaging lines.

Kraft Heinz is the 16^th-largest employer in Columbia/Boone County, according to the latest statistics from Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI). It has 450 employees.

REDI president Stacey Button described Kraft Heinz as a good company doing great things, during a November interview on 939 the Eagle. Kraft Heinz is located on Columbia’s fast-growing food corridor, which also includes Swift Foods, Aurora Organic Dairy and Nabisco.