Ahold USA will invest at least $63 million in a new USDA-certified meat-processing and packaging-facility in central Pennsylvania’s Cumberland County and has entered into an operating agreement with Calgary, Alberta.-based Vantage Foods to operate the plant and hire a minimum of 850 new employees.

“As governor, I am committed to ushering in an economic environment that encourages private-sector job growth,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett. “These are jobs that could have gone to another state if not for our improved business climate and economic development efforts.”

After considering several other states as locations for the facility, Ahold USA eventually decided to construct the 162,000-square-foot building in Lower Allen Township. Ahold USA and Vantage received a funding offer from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. Ahold USA will receive a $1.275 million PA First grant, which will go toward the cost of the project. Vantage was offered, and is eligible to apply for, $360,000 in job training assistance and as much as $1.7 million in Job Creation Tax Credits.

“This meat-packaging facility is a significant investment in the future, and these incentives will help us ensure its long-term success,” noted Mark McGowan, EVP, supply chain for Ahold USA, which is based in Carlisle, Pa., and Quincy, Mass., and has four regional retail grocery divisions -- Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle -- in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.

“Central Pennsylvania is an ideal location for our newest U.S. facility,” added Leonal Kilgore, president and COO of Wichita, Kan.-based Vantage U.S., which produces and sells packaged meats to food retailers. “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.”

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

The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development professionals working directly with businesses interested in locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
 

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