LEBANON, Ind, October 8, 2014– Skjodt-Barrett Foods, a worldwide distributor of packaged food products, announced that it is bringing high-speed *Aseptic production technology to North America, and improving its corporate headquarters in Lebanon, Indiana.  The announcement is part of a four phase process that includes the investment of $43.9M to improve its 55-acre campus within the Lebanon Business Park.  The announcement includes the creation of 97 new jobs by 2017.

“Job creation in Indiana is on the rise. From Japan and Germany to the United Kingdom and Canada, companies from around the world are discovering the Hoosier State’s pro-growth business climate is key to their success,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence. “While meeting with Skjodt-Barrett’s leadership today in Toronto, they explained how their growing team continues to thrive here in Indiana, a state that works.”

Skjodt-Barrett Foods, a 29-year-old specialty food manufacturer, chose Lebanon as the place for its U.S. headquarters in 2011.  The company makes custom fruit fillings, icings, glazes, sauces, baby food, and spouted pouches.  Skjodt-Barrett decision-makers chose to expand in Boone County, over Ontario Canada.

“Indiana has a very favorable business climate, which includes support for continued employee education and training,” said Mike Brannan, general manager of Skjodt-Barrett’s U.S. operations. “The ability to rely on support from the state of Indiana contributes to Skjodt-Barrett’s ability to invest in cutting-edge technologies and expansion opportunities. All of this coupled with the state’s convenient location within one day’s drive of 80 percent of the U.S. population made the choice to invest in Indiana easy.”

Skjodt-Barrett’s Lebanon facility sustained $18,000,000 in damages done by a tornado in November of last year.                                                     Despite the damage, the company was back up and running in three weeks.  It was a tribute to the company’s passion for its product, its people, and its community.

“Skjodt-Barrett Foods has become an essential part of the fabric of Lebanon,” said Lebanon Mayor Huck Lewis.  “Skjodt-Barrett provides good jobs, and gives back to the community.  The fact that the company has chosen Lebanon as the place to expand its operation, bringing new technology to North America with it, is outstanding.  Skjodt-Barrett’s decision to expand here marks a great day for the future of Lebanon.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Skjodt-Barrett Contract Packaging LLC up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $102,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Lebanon will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation.

*What is Aseptic Processing?

Aseptic processing is the process by which a sterile (aseptic) product (typically food or pharmaceutical) is packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains sterility.