The new processing plant, an expanded boning and packaging operation, will create an estimated 200 new jobs, according to the companies.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the plant will be built in Albert Lea's new Job Opportunity Building Zone. Pawlenty says his Job Opportunity Building Zone legislation, which passed the Minnesota Legislature last year, creates special tax-free zones in areas outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area as an incentive for job creators to grow in some of the state's "most economically challenged areas."
"Since a fire destroyed the Farmland plant almost three years ago, Albert Lea is a community that has focused hard on recovering from the loss," Pawlenty says. "Today's news is outstanding for the local economy and the entire state. It's the latest sign that our JOB Zone initiative is working to create jobs where they're needed most."
The new plant is the fourth expansion to be approved to receive the benefits of the new job zone.
"This is a community that has really hit the ground running to put this powerful economic development tool to work creating jobs," says Matt Kramer, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
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