A Lolo-based business has picked up some $46,000 in grants to help it look into the possibility of expanding.

Montana Food Products currently runs a commercial kitchen and packaging facility for several local food products companies.

The Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation was recently awarded the two grants, which will be used to help out Montana Food Products.

USDA Rural Development gave a thumbs up to $25,000 while the Montana Department of Commerce kicked in $21,000 and owner Ron Oberlander committed $5,000 in case to the feasibility study.

“The completion of a feasibility study and business plan will work as a spring board for Montana Food Products, enabling the company to seek additional sources of capital for the expansion” explained MAEDC head Dick King

Montana Food Products currently has 17 employees at its Lolo facility and plans to add a dozen more jobs as a result on the expansion.

The local consulting firm Camas Creek has been tapped to perform the feasibility study.

- Mark Thorsell reporting from KPAX in Missoula