Tyson will reopen Independence plant, produce pet treats

Tyson Foods will start taking applications next month for 60 new jobs making pet treats at its shuttered Independence plant.

Tyson officials said the company will spend about $6.6 million to install equipment and make other improvements at the plant, which closed in 2006 and cost the community more than 300 jobs.

The Iowa Economic Development Board's approval Thursday of $400,000 in loans “locked in the company's choice of Independence” for the project, said Dave Hogberg, Tyson's general manager of pet products.

The City Council had earlier approved a $96,000, 10-year tax increment financing package, and an exemption allowing the company to use its own well rather than city water - which will save $698,000 over 10 years,

Hogberg assured members of the community that the plant, in a northwest-side residential area, will be “over-engineered” to manage waste and control emissions and odors. Raw materials will be brought to the plant under refrigeration, he said.

The product line will use about 40,000 square feet of space, but may expand later to 100,000 square feet, for a total 100 jobs.

Former Tyson employees are expected to be strong candidates for the 60 new jobs opening next month.

Also Thursday, the state Economic Development Board approved:

• A $5 million incentive package for Wacker Chemical Corp., which plans to spend $87 million to build a fermentation plant in Monroe County, creating 38 high-paying jobs by 2012.

• $200,000 for a revolving loan fund for local business assistance in nine communities, including the Czech Village/New Bohemia area of Cedar Rapids and Waterloo's downtown district.

The board also granted disaster recovery application waivers and approved state assistance for three projects in Cedar Rapids:

• Raining Rose, which manufactures natural body care products, $260,000, retaining 51 jobs.

• JRS Pharma LP, which makes ingredients for pharmaceutical tablets, $145,000, retaining 30 jobs.

• Iowa Screenprint Co. which does business as Bimm Ridder Sportswear, $100,000, to retain 18 jobs.

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