Kraft plant reopens after employees contract COVID-19

The Kraft Heinz Co. (Nasdaq: KHC) has reopened its Springfield plant after it closed temporarily due to the coronavirus.

Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate affairs for the company, said the 1951 E. Meadowmere St. manufacturing plant and warehouse closed on Saturday morning for a "deep cleaning" after two of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Mullen said Kraft Heinz found out March 27 about the confirmed cases. The individuals, who were last in the warehouse on March 19, are now in quarantine. He noted the Springfield plant and warehouse implemented extra cleaning and sanitation procedures starting March 20.

"We encourage any employee who feels unwell to take every precaution and seek medical assistance," Mullen said via email. "We’ll continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and will update all employees as appropriate."

The Springfield plant produces Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Kraft Singles, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

In 2016, Springfield City Council approved a Chapter 100 industrial revenue bond plan financing up to $36 million in equipment purchases by Kraft Heinz after the local plant was selected for additional production lines.

Council on April 6 is scheduled to weigh in on a preliminary funding agreement with Kraft as the company explores further expansion in Springfield, according to the governmental body's agenda.