Leaders of Kansas, Schwan’s Company Announce 225 New Jobs, New ‘World Class’ Facility in Salina

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – State Rep. Laura Kelly on Monday announced a major expansion in Salina with Schwan’s Company and Tony’s Pizza. The project is set to add 225 new full-time jobs and secure the long-term future of more than 1,000 current Schwan employees, according to the mayor. The project will also include a new 400,000-square-foot, fully automated, state-of-the-art pizza-making facility, officials with the company said.

The governor was joined by Senator Jerry Moran, Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock, Schwan’s Company CEO Dimitrios Smyrnios and the company’s leadership team for the announcement made at Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina.

City leaders said “Project Rise” is the largest investment in Salina since 1965 and one of the largest investments by Schwan’s. The project was part of the competitive bidding process that was completed with an incentive package offered by the state of Kansas.

Sen Moran called the move a great day for Kansans and Salinans especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s a good day when we add jobs to the Kansas workforce, especially when there’s so much uncertainty,” Sen said. Moran.

The Schwan leadership said several of the new jobs will be high-paying positions as expertise is needed to implement the new technology and specialized equipment included in the new facility.

Gov. Kelly said 17 companies in Kansas that supply products and materials to Schwan’s in Salina will also benefit from the expansion, along with a number of jobs being created with the construction of the new facility.

The plant is set to be environmentally friendly. Schwan’s has signed a 20-year deal with Evergy to buy renewable energy. The project is intended to be the second largest food-related project at this time.

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