Food Manufacturer Adding Jobs
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA subsidiary of Arkansas-based Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is planning a $5.3 million expansion in Jay County. Tyson Mexican Original Inc., a chain restaurant supplier, is looking to add more than a dozen workers at its Portland operation by 2016. August 19, 2013
News Release
PORTLAND, Ind. – Tyson Mexican Original, Inc., a supplier of tortillas, tacos, chips and flatbreads for quick service Mexican restaurant chains, announced plans today to expand its operations here, creating up to 13 new jobs by 2016.
The company, which is a subsidiary of Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), will invest $5.3 million to expand and equip its current facility to 117,800 square feet across more than 31 acres in Portland. The facility, which is anticipated to be operational by mid-September, will include a new corn cook system, allowing the company to grow its customer base across the Midwest. As part of the expansion, the company will expand production capacity in Portland from 2.7 million pounds to 3 million pounds of finished goods per week.
“By operating in Indiana, leaders at Mexican Original have learned firsthand what we tell companies exploring their options in Indiana daily,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Our pro-growth, low-tax business environment allows companies to spend less time worrying about accessing a skilled workforce, moving products or conforming to demanding government regulations and more time profiting and succeeding.”
Mexican Original, which currently has more than 440 employees in Indiana and about 1,530 across the country, will begin hiring supervisors, operators and general production associates immediately. Interested applicants can apply at their local WorkOne center or online at IndianaCareerConnect.com.
“This is the second major expansion for Mexican Original this year-we also purchased Don Julio Foods, with its primary line of products designed for the retail segment,” said Wayne Beach, vice president of Mexican Original sales and marketing. “Don Julio brand products are now available in select Midwest markets with those products being manufactured at the Portland facility. This expansion project will enable Mexican Original to support additional demand in core markets.”
Mexican Original is the second largest manufacturer of flour and corn tortillas and chips in the country. The Portland plant was recognized for outstanding safety achievement awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012 from Tyson's Environmental Health and Safety Department. The company operates additional facilities in Fayetteville, Ark. and Sanford, N.C., with its Don Julio Foods plant located in Clearfield, Utah.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Tyson Mexican Original, Inc. up to $50,000 in conditional tax credits 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. The city of Portland will consider additional incentives at the request of the Jay County Development Corporation.
“The many years that Mexican Original has been in Portland they've been a great partner to the city,” said Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman. “They have been involved in many community projects and we look forward to their continued investment through new employees and equipment in the city of Portland.”
Mexican Original's announcement comes just hours after California-based Solutions 2 GO announced plans to locate a new warehouse and distribution facility in Indiana, in part because of the state's robust transportation network. The company will be investing $3.3 million into its new operations, creating up to 40 new jobs by in Indianapolis by 2016.
About Mexican Original
Feature the authentic and fresh flavors of Mexican cuisine that your customers crave by starting with Mexican Original brand products. Made with premium ingredients, we offer traditional favorites such as corn and flour tortillas and tortilla chips, as well as versatile flatbreads, and on-trend wrap flavors for your signature fillings. For more information please visit www.tysonfoodservice.com/Our-Brands/Mexican-Original.aspx.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to be involved with son Don Tyson leading the company for many years and grandson John H. Tyson serving as the current Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and food service markets it serves. The company provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. It has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About IEDC
Created in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence. Victor Smith serves as the Indiana Secretary of Commerce and Eric Doden is the president of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.