| Press Release |
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| April 19, 2004 |
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Ontario to gain 30 new jobs as food processor expands
State Economic Development Agency award aids start of new facility and positions company for future growth
(Salem, OR) Select Onion, an Ontario-based maker of value-added onion products, will construct a new production facility and create 30 new jobs in Ontario, due in part to an award package announced today by Governor Ted Kulongoski.
"Ontario's deep roots in agriculture make it an ideal match with Select Onion's position as a provider of superior, value-added food products," said Governor Kulongoski. "This expansion will give the Ontario community new, quality jobs while positioning Select Onion for enhanced sales and growth."
The company adds value to locally-grown Spanish Yellow Onions through converting them into frozen chopped and sliced products for use by major food processors. They also process for the fresh pack market. Select Onion sells to markets in the United States and Canada.
"Creating value-added products is key to staying competitive in today's economy," said Farrel Larson, owner of Select Onion. "We produce the crops ourselves and must do more with them to stay viable."
Increased product demand required an expansion into a larger facility with advanced equipment. Therefore, the company will construct a nearly 50,000 square-foot, $4 million dollar building in Ontario. Thirty new full-time positions in production, sales and management will be created in the first two years of operation.
"This project goes a long way toward reestablishing economic vitality in eastern Oregon," said Larson. "These 30 jobs will have a spin-off effect in Ontario's economy, leading to additional job creation."
Ontario is currently considered a distressed community by the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department (OECDD).
Select Onion received a $400,000 Oregon Business Development Fund loan and $100,000 Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund grant from OECDD. The loan will help fund construction of the new facility, and the grant will pay for new refrigeration equipment and installation.
Contact:
Rick Minster, OECDD, (541) 519-5197
Marian Hammond, (503) 378-6169
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