Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Gold’n Plump Poultry will receive $1 million from the Department of Commerce to help them in updating and expanding their production complex and current operations in Arcadia, creating 50 jobs.
“Through Grow Wisconsin, we are investing in our manufacturing base,” Governor Doyle said. “Gold’n Plump is an important part of our state’s agribusiness sector, and I am pleased that the state can help this company expand and create jobs in Wisconsin. The company also considered expanding in Minnesota, but determined that the Wisconsin facility had the most potential for improving efficiency and increasing production quickly.”
The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing a $975,000 low-interest loan and $25,000 training grant to assist this project. The $38 million expansion is scheduled to begin early in 2006, with completion expected in 2008. The project includes increasing production capacity by 31 percent at the current complex, updating processes to improve efficiencies, and adding 36 breeder and grower barns in southwestern Wisconsin.
“We are thrilled to be moving forward with this project in Arcadia,” said Mike Helgeson, Chief Executive Officer of Gold’n Plump. “Not only will this expansion allow us to produce more chicken, more efficiently, but it will also improve conditions at the facilities and create a more pleasant working environment. Expanding in Arcadia at this time makes great sense strategically for the long-term success of the company, our customers, our grower partners, and our employees.”
The Gold’n Plump brand has become one of the most recognized brand names in the Midwest, increasing the demand for the premium chicken products. Based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Gold’n Plump Poultry is a family-owned provider of premium chicken products to retail, deli and food-service customers throughout the Midwest and across the country. The company employs about 1,600 people and contracts with more than 250 growers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
