Herr Foods, Inc. plans for new facility in Jackson with ORDC grant
On July 25, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (Rail Commission) approved a grant in the amount of $110,250 to Herr Foods, Inc. (Herr) to support their new facility in Jackson, Ohio. The new Jackson facility includes a $25 million investment by the company with an additional $6 million at its sister facility located in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Herr is a snack food maker originally founded in 1946 in Lancaster, Pa. Their most popular brands include Herr’s, Good Natured, and Cheyenne Brand, with products such as potato chips, pretzels, cheese curls and other hand-held snack foods. Herr opened a small manufacturing facility in Chillicothe in 1976 and has operated it since then.
The project improves on-site rail for use by Herr at the proposed Jackson facility. It will consist of tie renewal and replacement on an existing spur and the installation of a new private on-site concrete tub crossing. The estimated cost is approximately $110,250.
Herr will receive inbound raw materials to the new Jackson facility and will also have the ability to transload at the Jackson facility for delivery to their existing Chillicothe facility once the rail project is complete.
Matthew Dietrich, Executive Director of the Rail Commission, said “Any time we are able to assist in the growth and expansion of an Ohio company, it’s a win. Herr Foods is making a significant investment in their facilities in southern Ohio, and we look forward to their continued growth in the state.”
“Herr Foods, Inc. is thrilled to be working with the Ohio Rail Development Commission,” said Jeremiah Thomas, SVP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Herr Foods, Inc. “We've been operational in Ohio for nearly five decades already, and these types of partnerships allow us to take progressive next steps. We look forward to continuing to build upon our existing legacy. We do have options, but Ohio has always been, and continues to be, very supportive of our endeavors.”
The Ohio Rail Development Commission assists Ohio communities, companies and railroads in creating and retaining jobs by preserving rail service to existing shippers and providing rail service to new customers. The Rail Commission also funds projects to improve railroad-highway grade crossings to increase safety for the traveling public. Rail lines in Ohio are private property. Trespassing is both extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited.
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