DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. — Hearthside Food Solutions has acquired the former Kellogg Co. baking plant in Seelyville, Ind. It is Hearthside's second baking facility in the state of Indiana, including one in Michigan City.

The facility most recently operated as a bakery for Kellogg, producing cookies, crackers and other baked products. Kellogg closed the plant in late 2017, citing overcapacity as a key factor in the decision.

The 187,000-square-foot baking facility was opened by Pillsbury Co. in 1996 and has been continually expanded and upgraded, including a significant expansion in 2001. Kellogg acquired the Seelyville plant as part of its $42 million acquisition of IndyBake Products L.L.C. in August 2008.

“The Seelyville acquisition is about future growth,” said Richard G. Scalise, chairman and chief executive officer of Hearthside. “The facility will enable our nutrition bar and bakery business to continue to serve our customers’ expanding needs. We are looking forward to being part of the greater Terre Haute (Ind.) business community.”

The addition of Seelyville expands the Hearthside network to 26 facilities. The company also recently announced plans to acquire Greencore USA. That transaction is expected to close in November 2018 and will bring the total facility count to 39 production locations, 35 of which are in the United States.

“The Seelyville facility is in excellent condition and has been well cared for,” said Dwayne Hughes, senior vice-president of supply chain at Hearthside. “We look forward to the Seelyville facility becoming part of our expanding world-class production network.”

Hearthside was acquired earlier this year by an investment group led by Charlesbank Capital Partners and Partners Group. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Hearthside is the largest independent bakery in the United States, producing a variety of nutrition bars, cookies, cereals, baked foods and snacks.