ConAgra Foods to add 160 jobs in Marshall
Company gets $1.7 tax credits
MARSHALL — ConAgra Foods will add a new production line and 160 jobs to its plant here because of state tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
“We’ve received some of the incentives from the state,” said Stephanie Childs, a spokeswoman for ConAgra in Omaha, Neb. “We’re continuing to work with the city of Marshall on other incentives.”
The City of Marshall is negotiating payment in lieu of taxes starting from year one, said Roy Hunter, executive director for the Marshall-Saline Development Corp.
ConAgra Foods has been approved for $1.7 million in enhanced enterprise zone tax credits for the creation of 160 new jobs, according to a release from the governor’s office.
“What we’re looking to do is expand our production capabilities,” Childs said. “We’re looking to add a new production line that will be equipped to produce the Healthy Choice Café Steamers line.”
The expansion offers an opportunity for Marshall to grow and compete in a slower economy, Hunter said.
“The expansion is a big, big push. ConAgra offers above average paying jobs with benefits,” Hunter said. “At a time when people are losing jobs, we’re fortunate to be gaining jobs.
Hunter said ConAgra Foods’ starting wage is $11.50 per hour “and then it goes up quickly from there.”
The expansion in the Marshall plant will be completed by fall, Childs said.
“We are excited about the opportunity and the ability to bring new jobs to the community and further solidify our relationship with Marshall and the state of Missouri.”
The Marshall plant had to compete with other ConAgra locations around the country, Hunter said.
“ConAgra was one of our biggest employers in the Marshall area. This expansion will make them the biggest,” he said. “It was a competitive expansion.”
ConAgra already employs 650 in Marshall.
The Enhanced Enterprise Zone program was implemented in 2004. Zone designation is based on certain demographic criteria, the potential to create sustainable jobs in a targeted industry and a demonstrated impact on local cluster development.
