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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Hearthside Food Solutions Invests $6 Million To Expand Manufacturing Facility In Michigan City, Indiana

02/06/2013
Hearthside Holdco, doing business as Hearthside Food Solutions, a manufacturer of grain-based snack foods and baked goods, will invest $6 million to expand its operations in Michigan City, Indiana, creating up to 51 new jobs by 2016.

The Downers Grove, Ill.-based company will renovate and add 8,600 square feet to its existing 180,000 square-foot facility located at 502 W. US Highway 20 in Michigan City. As part of the expansion, Hearthside plans to install manufacturing equipment that will allow it to produce a cracker-based product, which is expected to be operational by this spring.

Hearthside, which currently has more than 400 full-time employees in Michigan City, plans to begin hiring additional machine operator associates in March. “We look forward to continued growth at our Indiana facility,” said Bob Wojcik, plant manager at Hearthside. “We continue to grow in a highly competitive industry, due in part, to the quality of the Indiana workforce and the state’s positive business climate. As our business continues to grow, we will continue to invest in our people, plant and equipment.”

“News like this continues to put Indiana on the map as a state that works for business,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Thanks to our expansive infrastructure combined with the ability to reach 80 percent of the nation's population within a day's drive, Indiana is winning new investment and career opportunities for Hoosiers every day.”

As an incentive, The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Hearthside Holdco up to $200,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. In addition, Michigan City approved additional tax abatement at the request of the Michigan City Economic Development Corporation.

“The economic incentives set forth by Michigan City have created an opportunity for Hearthside to expand and grow in our community,” said Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer. “As the mayor of Michigan City, I believe this expansion and ultimate job growth is a true reflection of our city’s willingness to work with current and prospective businesses to improve opportunities for both parties. I am pleased with the commitment and longevity Hearthside is clearly showing to our community.”

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