HORACE, N.D. (November 14, 2012)--A North Dakota-based sunflower business begins production this month at a sunflower roasting facility in Lubbock.

The SunGold Foods plant will produce in-shell sunflower seeds to be sold as snack food.

The National Sunflower Association said the plant will open with 40 full-time employees, with room to more than double capacity.

SunGold Foods is based in Horace, N.D. and is a subsidiary of Fargo-based Red River Commodities Inc., which also has a bird food plant in Lubbock.