Consumer foods giant General Mills will bring more than 50 jobs to Henry County with a new distribution center in McDonough.

The Minneapolis-based owner of the Cheerios, Progresso and Green Giant brands, is planning an $8.5 million expansion of its Blue Buffalo Pet Products manufacturing with a new 400,000-square-foot facility on Westridge Parkway.

Billy Bishop, president of General Mills' pet division, said the distribution center will make getting products to southeastern customers easier. General Mills bought Buffalo Pet earlier this year for close to $8 billion.

“Blue Buffalo is the No. 1 Wholesome Natural pet food brand in the U.S. and we are pleased to be expanding with the addition of the facility in McDonough,” Bishop said in release.

David Gill, chairman of the Henry County Development Authority, said Henry looks forward to working with the company in its expansion plans.

“They are a great addition to the outstanding food related production and logistics operations in Henry County,” he said.