Heartland Sweeteners LLC plans to spend nearly $10 million to upgrade its Indianapolis plant and potentially boost its work force there by 50 percent in the next five years.

The Carmel-based company hopes to add 39 jobs at its plant on West 84th Street, where it currently employs 79 people, according to documents filed with the Metropolitan Development Commission of Marion County.

The new jobs would pay $13.74 an hour, or about $28,000 per year for a full-time worker. The Marion County average wage is about $49,000.

Heartland has requested tax abatements valued at $250,000 over five years to help pay for its new machinery, which will include filling, blending, drying and sealing equipment.

The staff of the development commission recommended approval of the abatements.

Heartland specializes in low- and no-calorie sweeteners, including the brands Ideal, Nevella and SmartSugar. It sells its products through retailers and to food-service companies.