A South Dakota-based venture that will make ingredients for plant-based foods will open up a plant in Galesburg, bringing several dozen jobs with it.
The Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development says Innovative Production USA — a venture between two other companies — will rehab a facility at 701 West Sixth Street in the city’s southern corridor and hopefully open up sooner than later.
“I love this deal, number one, because we’re bringing a company to town, which is always awesome,” says Ken Springer, president, KCAP. “But, number two, these guys are in an industry that is really taking off. Food processing, in general, is a very, very good industry to be in, in the United States. Nationwide, the food processing industry has expanded incredibly over the last 15, 20 years.”
Springer says the deal is contingent on the City Council approving a $250,000 revolving loan as part of Innovative Production’s financing package. That will be taken up Monday night.
“The facility that they are going to refurbish met their needs very, very well, and that was extremely important,” says Springer. “In addition, one of the members of the senior leadership of the company actually does have some Galesburg ties.”
Springer says the company expects to hire 25 to 45 people over their first two years.
CLICK HERE for more information on Innovative Proteins USA, one of the principals in the firm.
CLICK HERE for more information on RIBUS, Inc., the other principal.
TUNE IN TO “GALESBURG’S EVENING NEWS” WEDNESDAY AT 5:10PM FOR OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH KEN SPRINGER.
