Contacts:
Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Erica Erland, Maxwell PR on behalf of Kettle Foods, 503-231-3086
Project to Create at Least 100 New Jobs, Fuel $18 Million Economic Impact
BELOIT – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Department of Commerce will provide Kettle Foods, Inc., a $500,000 loan to help the company construct a new manufacturing facility in Beloit’s Gateway Industrial Park, creating at least 100 new jobs for the community. Governor Doyle made the announcement during his “Capital for the Day” tour of Rock County.
“I am pleased to welcome Kettle Foods to Beloit – a company that has built a strong reputation as a manufacturer of high quality products,” Governor Doyle said. “I am working hard to strengthen manufacturing in Wisconsin, because it is, and will continue to be the heart of our economy. I am glad the state could assist this project, which will spur significant investment and create new jobs for Rock County.”
With 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space, the facility will represent an $18 million economic impact to the region. Operations at the facility will not only employ local construction teams, it will create at least 100 new jobs over the next three years. In addition to the $500,000 low-interest loan from the Department of Commerce, the City of Beloit is providing $510,000 in Development Opportunity Zone tax credits.
Workers are expected to break ground on the plant this April. When production begins toward the end of the year, the plant is expected to process 50 million pounds of Russet potatoes a year, boosting overall company production by 50 percent.
“Demand for Kettle brand potato chips is growing faster in the Midwest and Eastern states than anywhere else in the country,” said Tim Fallon, president North America of Kettle Foods. “Beloit is an ideal location for our expansion. It’s a friendly community with a great workforce, and an ideal location in the center of one of the largest Russet potato growing regions in the Midwest. We couldn’t be happier to join the local business community.”
About Kettle Foods
Founded in 1978, Oregon-based Kettle Foods produces hand-made, all natural Kettle brand Potato Chips. Kettle Foods distributes throughout North America, Japan, Guam and Western Europe. Its manufacturing sites in Salem, Oregon, and Norwich, United Kingdom produce more than 20 flavors and four varieties of potato chips, eight flavors of organic tortilla chips and a variety of nut butters and trail mixes. Visit www.kettlefoods.com for more information.
