Nestle to Add New Product Line, Jobs to Jonesboro

Business Wire, March 15, 2006

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Nestle Prepared Foods Company today announced plans to invest $19.7 million in new production equipment at the company's Jonesboro, Arkansas manufacturing facility. With this investment, the company will begin to manufacture its HOT POCKETS(R) brand sandwiches in Jonesboro, in addition to the STOUFFER'S(R) and LEAN CUISINE(R) frozen prepared meals which have been made there since the facility opened in 2003. Nestle employment--now at nearly 400--will grow. The company expects to add approximately 65 new positions by the end of 2006 and an additional 35-45 positions in early 2007.

In 2002, Nestle acquired the HOT POCKETS(R) family of brands from Chef America, Inc. which had pioneered the development of the successful frozen sandwich and snack category. Today the business is part of the Nestle Prepared Foods Company, headquartered in Solon, Ohio. In 2005, sales of STOUFFER'S(R), LEAN CUISINE(R) and HOT POCKETS(R) brand products totalled $2.9 billion.

Jay Weaver, Vice President - Operations for Nestle Prepared Foods Company, said, "This great news demonstrates our commitment to grow our newest plant in Jonesboro." He also noted that Jonesboro plant manager Jim Triskett most recently served as plant manager of the company's Mt. Sterling, KY, facility which is dedicated to producing HOT POCKETS(R) brand products. Prior to that experience, Jim spent 25 years working in various Nestle Prepared Foods Company facilities. "With this combination of experience, Jim Triskett is well-qualified to manage the integration of this new product line into this facility."

Construction on the new production line is expected to begin immediately with the hiring process starting later this year. The company plans to be making HOT POCKETS(R) brand products in Jonesboro by the first quarter of 2007.

Named one of "America's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for the ninth consecutive year, Nestle USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with STOUFFER'S(R) LEAN CUISINE(R) to baking traditions with NESTLE(R) TOLL HOUSE(R), Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about.

Well-known Nestle brands include: NESTLE(R) TOLL HOUSE(R), NESTLE(R) NESQUIK(R), NESTLE(R) COFFEE-MATE(R), NESTLE(R) GOOD START(R), STOUFFER'S(R), STOUFFER'S(R) LEAN CUISINE(R), HOT POCKETS(R) and LEAN POCKETS(R) brand sandwiches, NESCAFE(R), NESCAFE(R) TASTER'S CHOICE(R), NESTLE(R) JUICY JUICE(R), BUITONI(R), POWERBAR(R), NESTLE(R) CRUNCH(R), NESTLE(R) BUTTERFINGER(R), and WONKA(R). Nestle USA, with 2005 sales of $8.1 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland -- the world's largest food company -- with 2005 sales of $73 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.