The I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC), a regional economic development effort consisting of 35 communities from across St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee and Shiawassee Counties, has granted the first PA 328 Personal Property Tax Exemption to Pinnacle Foods Group LLC, a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products that manufactures pickles, peppers and relish in Imlay City, Michigan. The approval marks the first PA 328 exemption granted by a NMDC in the State of Michigan.
Imlay City, along with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Lapeer Development Corporation, has had the pleasure of working to recruit the expansion to Imlay City since early 2012. In May 2012, the company announced that the expansion would occur in Imlay City, Michigan, to consolidate pickle production.
“This project will have a very positive impact on the Imlay City and Lapeer County regional economy. We are thrilled that Pinnacle Foods Group LLC has chosen Imlay City for this project,” stated Patricia Lucas, Executive Director of the Lapeer Development Corporation.
The Imlay City project will increase capacity, upgrade existing manufacturing capabilities, and improve efficiencies. The company will be creating 29 new jobs at the facility. These jobs will be added to the current workforce of 249 full-time employees and approximately 300 seasonal positions. Several hundred additional seasonal positions are also expected to be created as a result of the expansion.
“We are very grateful for the support of the local community and the state government for making our expansion possible,” explained Gary Lauber, Plant Manager. “We look forward to continued long-term success in Imlay City.”
Pinnacle Foods Group utilizes trucking and rail transportation for shipping their products from the facility, qualifying the company as an eligible NMDC business under the terms of PA 328. This application is the first NMDC-approved project.
Margaret McAvoy, Chairperson of the NMDC stated, “The I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC) is very pleased that Pinnacle Food Groups chose Imlay City as the location to expand its business. This expansion is not only good news for Imlay City and Lapeer County; it is great economic development news for our entire region. The expansion of Pinnacle Foods will impact the four-county region by providing opportunities within the plant and also transportation and warehousing opportunities to other companies within the region. It is our honor to be the first Next Michigan Corporation in the state to grant the first PA328 exemption. Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair Counties are working together to improve the economy of our region. On behalf of the Board I congratulate Pinnacle foods, Lapeer Development Corporation and Imlay City on this outstanding economic development accomplishment.”
The City of Imlay City strongly supports this project, and approved a resolution recommending that the NMDC approve the application for a period of 12 years due to the positive economic impact that it will have on the community. “Pinnacle Foods Group has been a valued and important corporate member of our community providing needed jobs and economic development. We look forward to a continued partnership in a mutually advantageous relationship that will bolster our efforts in making Imlay City sustainable for many years to come.” stated D. Wayne O’Neal, City Manager.
About Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
Millions of times a day in more than 85% of American households, consumers reach for Pinnacle Foods brands. Pinnacle Foods is a Top 1000 Company ranked on Fortune Magazine’s 2011 Top 1000 companies list. We are a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, which have been trusted household names for decades. Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, our business employs an average of 4,300 employees. We are a leader in the shelf stable and frozen foods segments and our brands hold the #1 or #2 market position in 8 out of 12 major category segments in which they compete. Our Duncan Hines Grocery Division manages Leadership brands such as Duncan Hines® baking mixes and frostings, Vlasic® shelf-stable pickles and Mrs. Butterworth’s® and Log Cabin® table syrups and Foundation brands such as Armour® canned meats, Brooks® and Nalley® chili and chili ingredients, Comstock® and Wilderness® pie and pastry fillings and Open Pit® barbecue sauces. Our Birds Eye Frozen Division manages Leadership brands such as Birds Eye®, Birds Eye Steamfresh®, C&W®, McKenzie’s®, and Fresh like® vegetables, Birds Eye Voila!® complete bagged meals and Van de Kamp’s® and Mrs. Paul’s® seafood and Foundation brands such as Lender’s® bagels, Celeste® pizza, Hungry-Man® dinners and entrées and Aunt Jemima® frozen breakfasts. Our Specialty Foods Division manages Tim’s Cascade Snacks®, Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips, Erin’s® Popcorn, Snyder of Berlin® and Husman’s® in addition to our food service and private label businesses. Further information is available at www.pinnaclefoods.com.
About the I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation
The I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation (NMDC) is a designated area authorized under a new state law called the Next Michigan Development Act. This initiative allows regions near transportation hubs such as airports, rail lines and highways to use tax incentives to attract new businesses. It is the largest NMDC in the state.
The I-69 NMDC is a major initiative of the I-69 International Trade Corridor, a Michigan-based partnership focused on job growth and investment. The partnership includes agencies, authorities, municipalities, and businesses along I-69 from the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron west across St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee and Shiawassee Counties.
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Rowland
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC
(973) 541-8620
Patricia Lucas, Executive Director
Lapeer Development Corporation
(810) 667-0080
Margaret McAvoy, Chairperson
I-69 International Trade Corridor Next Michigan Development Corporation
(989) 743-2458
Wayne O’Neal, City Manager
City of Imlay City
(810) 724-2135