Area Development
Delaware Economic Development Office Director Alan Levin said, as an incentive the Council on Development Finance recommended approval the company's request for a $456,000 grant from the Delaware Strategic Fund. The state's investment will support the acquisition of new manufacturing and packaging equipment to increase production of Kool-Aid, the company's internationally recognized powdered soft drink. Its production will be relocated from a plant in Ecatepec, Mexico. The investment will also help create about 30 new jobs at the Dover site.

"Kraft's decision to expand in Dover shows its strong support for the quality of our workforce in the state of Delaware," said Levin. "We are proud to have one of the world's largest and best known food and beverage companies among our employers in Kent County. We look forward to the company's continued growth at this facility."

Located at 1250 W. North Street, the 117-acre Kraft site employs approximately 535 employees, who manufacture food and beverage products such as; Stove Top stuffing mix, Jell-O desserts, Dream Whip whipped topping mix, and Kool-Aid, Country Time, Crystal Light soft drink mixes. The planned expansion represents the second time in four years the company has added a product line at the site.

Last year, Kraft announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies: Kraft Foods Group Inc. and Mondelez International Inc., a new company encompassing Kraft's global snacks business. The Dover facility will be part of the North American Grocery Company, which will retain the Kraft Foods name

"It is important that we work closely with the businesses that already have a presence in Delaware to help them expand their facilities, which will provide more job opportunities for our citizens," said Dover Mayor Carleton Carey. "Kraft Foods is a business that employs hundreds of people in Dover and the state, and makes a meaningful contribution to our community."