Heartland Announces Creation of New Jobs in Indiana

Heartland Food Products Group has announced that it is going to increase its operations in Indianapolis, bringing in 160 new jobs by 2017, according to Fox59. The company manufactures zero calorie sweeteners and drink mixes.

The company is going to spend $21.2 million to renovate its facilities on the north side of the city. It will also use the money to equip its production and distribution centers with new equipment.

The updates to the company’s facilities are supposed to be complete before the end of this year and will include high speed filling machines, new production lines, blending equipment and end-of-line packaging equipment. The company announced that it is also adding new resources to its headquarters in Carmel in order to meet the demand for its products.

“As an industry leader and innovator, we are pleased to have Heartland choose Indy for their expansion plans,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. “This is a great example of a quality company that gives back to our local community and focuses on hiring Indianapolis residents.”

This is the second big expansion for the company in the last three years. The company announced plans to add 68 new jobs by 2015 back in 2011. There are some 300 full-time Indiana associates employed with Heartland.

“Central Indiana is where this business was founded,” said Ted Gelov, chief executive officer of Heartland. “We are proud to be investing in the community in which we live, creating jobs and receiving the support of local and state officials. Indianapolis offers a strong local workforce, great logistical advantages and a manufacturing and technology infrastructure to fuel our growth.”

Heartland was founded in 2004 and also operates a production facility in the Netherlands. The company is the leading store brand supplier of beverage enhances in the United States when it comes to total sales.

“Heartland’s growth in Indy reflects the strength of our workforce and manufacturing industry,” said Brian Gildea, Vice President and Executive Director of Develop Indy. “Things like quality workforce, friendly business climate, and our central location are all advantages we can bring to the table when up against competitor cities.”

Heartland was offered a $1.2 million conditional tax credit for its job creation plans. The offer was made by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and hinges on the company hiring residents of the Hoosier state. The company cannot collect these incentives until residents are hired.

“If you are searching for the heartbeat of our Hoosier economy, look no further than Heartland and Indiana’s homegrown companies,” said Governor Mike Pence. “They are enhancing the vibrancy of Indiana, placing our state at the forefront of job creation in the United States. We are leading the charge in defining what it means to be an innovative state creating new opportunities for businesses, home to an affordable climate in a state that works.”

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