Area Development
Ahold USA will invest at least $63 million to build a 162,000 square foot USDA certified meat processing facility in the Harrisburg area of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and has entered into an operating agreement with Vantage Foods to run the facility and hire at least 850 new employees.

Headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Quincy, Mass., Ahold USA supports four regional retail grocery divisions throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Kansas-based Vantage Foods primarily focuses on the production and sale of packaged meats to retail food chains.

“Central Pennsylvania is an ideal location for our newest U.S. facility,” said Leonal Kilgore, president and Chief Operating Officer of Vantage U.S. “The Lower Allen Township community is well-resourced with strategic access to major distribution arteries and a vital local labor force. It is our full intention to earn our place as a good corporate citizen and to generate strong economic spin off for the community and surrounding area.”

"Ahold USA is proud to be part of the economic engine of Central Pennsylvania, bringing new jobs to the region and a new business, Vantage Foods, to the state," said Mark McGowan, Executive Vice President of Ahold USA said. "This meat packaging facility is a significant investment in the future and these incentives will help us ensure its long-term success."

“This is a real win for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Lower Allen Township,” said H. Edward Black, president of the Lower Allen Township Commissioners. “This facility will create family-sustaining jobs, contribute to a healthier local economy and is expected to attract additional industrial development to the township.”

As an incentive Ahold USA will receive a $1.275 million PA First grant, which will be used towards the cost of the project. Vantage Foods was offered and is eligible to apply for $360,000 in job training assistance and up to $1.7 million in Job Creation Tax Credits.

"As governor, I am committed to ushering in an economic environment that encourages private sector job growth," Gov. Tom Corbett said.