Kemper Foods International, LLC announced that it will expand its food production center here, creating more than 350 new jobs by 2012.
The manufacturer of frozen foods for restaurants and brand name retailers will invest more than $6.8 million toward equipment and building improvements. This more than doubles the size of the company's 24,000 square-foot U.S. Department of Agriculture Superior Rated food production facility in southeast Indiana's Park East Industrial Park.
"Hundreds of new jobs in New Albany - added to several hundred more recently announced in the northeast and western parts of our state - is a strong indicator that Indiana is holding its own during this global recession," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We couldn't be happier that Kemper Foods has chosen to grow this promising venture in Indiana."
Founded in 2008 by New Albany entrepreneur, Michael V. Kemper, who partnered with veteran food production tycoon, Jeno F. Paulucci, the privately held company will soon begin hiring additional production associates, supervisors and clerical staff to meet the needs of the growing operations.
"We are extremely excited by this business venture in New Albany," said Kemper, who serves as the company's chairman and chief executive officer. "Indiana provides us with an ideal environment to grow this business because of its workforce availability, excellent market access to serve our customers, and overall pro-business climate. We appreciate the support from the city of New Albany and the state of Indiana and the guidance of One Southern Indiana. Everyone has really made us feel welcomed and wanted in New Albany."
"Being in the food processing business globally for over a half of a century, I'm happy to say that I have never been more excited in the potential of global growth of Kemper Foods International because of the genius of innovation and the uniqueness of its products and the worldwide large corporate customers that it can serve on a custom packing basis," said Paulucci.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Kemper Foods International, LLC up to $1.1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $145,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The city of New Albany will consider additional property tax abatement and incentives at the request of One Southern Indiana, the regional economic development group for Clark and Floyd counties.
"The city could not be more excited about Kemper Foods International's plans to grow here in New Albany," said Mayor Doug England. "The announcement of these jobs and this investment in our city is especially welcomed news in this challenging economy. We look forward to Kemper's continued success and future growth."
Kemper Foods International's announcement to create jobs in New Albany adds to a growing list of food and beverage production companies in Indiana. Anchored by such names as Edy's Ice Cream, Clabber Girl and Really Cool Foods, the IEDC has worked with more than 30 food production businesses over the past four years to bring more than 3,200 jobs to the Hoosier State.
About Kemper Foods International
Kemper Foods International, LLC has been in business since January 05, 2008. Kemper Foods International manufacturers its own line of convenience food items and co-manufactures for other companies as well.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
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