State funding will help bring more than 150 new jobs to a Franklin County food service factory.
Ventura Foods, a producer of custom and proprietary dressings, sauces, and other flavorings, plans to invest more than $12.4 million in facility construction, renovations, machinery, and equipment for expansion at its Chambersburg facility, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday.
Following a recent acquisition, Ventura Foods will relocate some out-of-state dressing, sauce, and mayonnaise business assets and operations to the facility in Chambersburg. The company has committed to creating 157 new, full-time jobs within three years, and retaining 459 existing positions, the governor added.
Wolf said Ventura Foods received a funding proposal from the state Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $475,000 Pennsylvania First grant and $56,250 in WEDnetPA funding for employee training.
Ventura Foods also has been encouraged to apply for a $3.5 million low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA).
“The company’s exceptional growth is to be commended, as it contributes not only to the commonwealth’s flourishing manufacturing sector, but also to the economic well-being of Ventura Foods’ employees, their communities, and beyond,” Wolf said.
The project was coordinated by Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Franklin County Area Development Corporation.
“We are thankful for the support of the Governor’s Action Team and the Department of Community and Economic Development as we continue to grow, strengthen and diversify our business,” said Alan Blake, Ventura Foods’ executive vice president of manufacturing.
“We look forward to bringing additional high-quality manufacturing jobs to Chambersburg.”
