Aug 4, 2006 8:54 AM, from staff and wire reports

Salinas CA-based Taylor Farms plans to move into a 133,000-square-foot plant once occupied by J M Smucker Co, expand operations, and hire as many as 300 more workers, says the union representing Taylor Farms employees.

According to Teamsters Local 890, the produce firm will move to the facility on a 12-acre property in Salinas, though Taylor Farms has not commented on this plan.

In May 2006, Taylor Farms expanded into a former Tanimura & Antle plant close to the former Smucker plant and hired 300 new workers for the operation. Nearly 170 workers lost their jobs when Smucker closed its plant in December 2005.

A unit of Taylor Fresh Foods Inc, Taylor Farms sells cut lettuce and vegetables to firms including Subway, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Darden Restaurants Inc.