| BALTIMORE, MD Thu, Jul 12, 2007 The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) today announced it will assist in the expansion of Allen Family Foods, Inc. with up to $1.7 million in grants. The poultry processing company, headquartered in Seaford, Del., is planning to expand its current operations in Talbot and Dorchester counties, with the potential to add up to 750 new jobs over the next several years. In addition, the local jurisdictions are working with the company to assist them with their growth plans.
“We are proud that Allen Family Foods has seen the great economic opportunities in Maryland, and is expanding their operations on the Eastern Shore,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “These grants help Allen Family Foods expand, create hundreds of jobs, and support one of Maryland’s most important industries.”
“Allen Family Foods decision to expand in Maryland speaks to the quality of our workforce and the supportive business environment that the State and our partners on the Eastern Shore provide for businesses looking to locate or expand,” said David Edgerley, Secretary of Business and Economic Development. “This is an outstanding example of the types of successful partnerships that can occur when State and local governments leverage their resources and work together to better the community.”
“We very much appreciate the efforts of the State of Maryland, Dorchester and Talbot counties and the Town of Hurlock in partnering with us to keep job growth here on the Eastern Shore,” said Charles C. Allen, III, Chairman and CEO of Allen Family Foods, Inc. “Successful working relationships like this allow our company the ability to continue our growth while remaining an anchor company to the region.”
“The addition of nearly 350 new jobs at the Allen Family Foods Hurlock plant comes at an opportune time for the residents of Dorchester County,” said William V. Nichols, President of the Dorchester County Council. “Having lost more than 400 jobs in May 2007 from a local plant closure we welcome the commitment from Allen to expand their operations and are appreciative of the significant investment by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to revitalize the Dorchester County economy.”
“The Allen Family Foods Cordova Plant expansion and the investment made by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development represent a significant impact to the future Talbot County tax base,” said Tom Duncan, President of Talbot County Council. “The additional 400 jobs to be created at the Cordova facility will provide for upward mobility in the existing workforce as well as an opportunity for entry level employment.”
As part of the expansion, the company plans a $5 million renovation of its processing facility in Cordova, which will help retain its current 570 employees and add a projected 400 new positions by 2009. The company is also planning a $6 million expansion of its Hurlock processing facility, which will help retain its current 700 employees and add a projected 350 new positions by next year.
DBED will provide the company with conditional grants of $1.7 million, which can be used for infrastructure improvements, the purchase of equipment or for up to $200,000 in workforce training. The company will also receive assistance from DBED’s ISO Consortium Program and World Class Manufacturing Consortium and could also be eligible for Job Creation Tax Credits.
“The news of Allen’s plans for expansion and DBED’s commitment to that effort is great news for Maryland agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. “This announcement shows strong confidence in the future of Maryland farming and its leading segment, poultry. Partnerships like these will help us keep land in farming, our food supply local, and our economy thriving.”
About the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED)
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s mission is to attract new businesses, stimulate private investment and create jobs, encourage the expansion and retention of existing companies and provide businesses in Maryland with workforce training and financial assistance. The department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development, international trade and tourism. Because they are a major economic generator, the department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.choosemaryland.org.
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