The $76.2-million investment by Kraft Foods will include building reconstruction and renovation, site infrastructure improvements and the purchase of new, more efficient manufacturing equipment. The project will help Kraft upgrade obsolete buildings at the Post complex, and allow the building to stay open, state officials say.

The state approved a brownfield Single Business Tax Credit valued at up to $7.6 million for 10% of the eligible investment in the Kraft Foods expansion. The Battle Creek Brownfield Development Authority also authorized $1.5 million in tax increment financing. The city of Battle Creek will offer a 12-year, 50% abatement of all planned investment by Kraft.

The Kraft Foods Battle Creek facility is the largest ready-to-eat cereal manufacturing plant in the world, says Luis Viso, plant manager and regional manufacturing director for Kraft South/Great Lakes Area. It has survived while newer facilities in other states have beenconstructed with newer equipment and more efficient structural designs.