Herr Foods, Inc. announces investment in Jackson, Chillicothe

Herr Foods, Inc., a recognized leader in the snack food industry, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the Jackson County Ohio Economic Development Partnership and the Jackson Civic Improvement Corporation Wednesday announced an investment of $31 million in Southeast Ohio, creating 125 new jobs in Jackson and Chillicothe.
 
Herr Foods Inc. is headquartered in Nottingham, Pa. The family-owned and operated company began 78 years ago in Lancaster, Pa., and now employs over 1,400 people who make 340-plus snack products that are available in all 50 states and worldwide.
 
“We are thrilled to announce the investment in the new Jackson, Ohio facility as well as the Chillicothe, Ohio facility expansion project,” said Ed Herr, Chairman and CEO of Herr Foods. “This investment represents our commitment to serving our customers better and providing opportunities in the local community. We look forward to contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Jackson and Chillicothe areas.”
 
The company has purchased the Jackson Industrial Rail Site, which includes a warehouse on the eastern portion of the property. $25 million will be invested in the Jackson facility, creating 75 new jobs. Additionally, $6 million will be invested in the company’s Chillicothe facility, creating 50 new jobs.
 
“Herr Foods is a global snack food leader that had many options on where to grow its operations, and it chose Ohio,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With the addition of 125 new workers between Jackson and Chillicothe, Herr Foods will more than double the number of its associates here in Ohio, confirming its confidence in our talent and ongoing partnership.”  
 
“We are pleased that Herr Foods has taken this step in investing in southern Ohio,” said Katy Farber, OhioSE vice president. “The new jobs and investment tied to this project will work to further ensure the company’s long-term future in our region.”
 
According to the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership, Jackson County has 2,500 food industry workers and is home to General Mills and Bellisio Foods. Jackson County received funds in collaboration with JobsOhio, OhioSE, and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) to purchase and redevelop the site.
 
“We are very proud to add Herr Foods to the growing list of food and beverage manufacturers that call Jackson County home,” said Jackson County Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Sam Brady. “The entire team at Herr Foods has been phenomenal to work with from top to bottom. We are excited to see the new jobs and opportunities this new partnership brings to our community.”
  
The Jackson County Economic Development Partnership (JCEDP) is the lead economic development agency for Jackson County and its municipalities. Founded in 1989, JCEDP is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit economic development organization that functions as a public-private partnership. JCEDP provides support to local government and Jackson County’s incumbent private sector companies for the purpose of expansion, retention and attraction of new business investment. JCEDP is a founding member of the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) and is served by the Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) JobsOhio network partner. Learn more at www.JacksonCountyOhio.com.
 
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties. Geographically the largest of the seven regions across the state, OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies and other entities to expand, retain and attract businesses in the counties they serve. Learn more at OhioSE.com.

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow JobsOhio on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.