Food company plans $16 million investment in Edinburgh

A Chicago-based business with local ties is planning a $16 million dollar investment in northwestern Bartholomew County. Bartholomew County Council approved a tax abatement for Peer Foods Group new facility this week.

Peer Foods, which also owns Mariah Foods in Columbus, is planning the new almost 54 thousand square foot facility on West Presidential Way in the Bartholomew County portion of Edinburgh. The building itself is expected to cost $13.6 million dollars and about $2.4 million dollars in new logistical and IT equipment will be added.

Construction is expected to start by next month and be completed next year.

The company estimated it would be bringing 11 jobs to Edinburgh, with eight being transport and material handling at an average wage of $13.50 an hour with benefits.

The company asked for a 10 year tax abatement which the County Council approved for the construction portion. A five year tax abatement was approved for the equipment purchase.

Under a tax abatement, rising property taxes due to new construction or equipment are phased in, with no property taxes paid in the first year.

The County Council also approved a tax abatement for the George Utz company in Edinburgh is planning a $3.4 million investment in new equipment.

Company spokeswoman Penny Grubbs said that the investment will retain 87 jobs and create 14 new ones. The new positions in production are expected to pay $16.75 per hour.