RENSSELAER, IND. — ConAgra Foods, Inc. said it plans to invest $15.6 million to expand its Orville Redenbacher’s microwave popcorn operations in Rensselaer, creating up to 24 new jobs by 2014.

ConAgra Foods plans to use the investment to remodel its quality assurance laboratory, redesign its corn, slurry and salt systems and add four microwave popcorn packaging lines.

“ConAgra Foods and the Rensselaer facility are excited to continue the enduring partnership between Orville Redenbacher popcorn and the state of Indiana,” said Ken Dobin, manager of the Rensselaer plant. “Rensselaer’s centralized location and quality workforce, along with the state’s current business climate and economic development record, provide a fantastic opportunity for ConAgra Foods, the state of Indiana and the Rensselaer community.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered ConAgra Foods, Inc. up to $175,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is not eligible to claim incentives until people are hired.