Blue Buffalo Breaks Ground On New Manufacturing and R&D Facility in Richmond, Indiana
Richmond, Indiana, Sept. 22, 2016 – State of Indiana Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb presided over today’s ground breaking for Blue Buffalo Company’s (Nasdaq:BUFF) newest Heartland manufacturing and R&D facility to be located in Richmond, IN. (View video of event here.)
“Job creators across the country continue to choose Indiana because of our low-costs, minimal regulations and highly-skilled Hoosier workforce,” said Lt. Governor Holcomb. “Our business climate has earned national recognition as companies like Blue Buffalo are choosing to grow in Indiana, contributing to the nearly 150,000 new Hoosier jobs added since 2013. We’re glad to have Blue Buffalo in Indiana and look forward to many years of continued success for our newest Hoosier company.”
It is anticipated that the new facility will create approximately 165 jobs. Heartland Richmond, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Buffalo Co., will produce dry food and become the second company-owned manufacturing facility for Blue Buffalo, with the first facility located in Joplin, Missouri.
“We are proud to be expanding our U.S. pet food manufacturing and R&D capabilities here in Richmond, said Bill Bishop, Chairman and Founder at Blue Buffalo. “Richmond and the surrounding communities have both the people and the “can do” attitude that it takes to help us meet the growing demand for our natural pet food products.”
Construction is planned to begin in the second half of 2016 with production of BLUE natural pet food expected to begin in 2018. Blue Buffalo will begin to hire for selected positions in the first half of 2017 and will continue throughout 2017. The new jobs will include positions in food processing, food quality assurance and general management.
The planned investment in Blue Buffalo’s Indiana plant will be approximately $150 million dollars. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Blue Buffalo up to $1,625,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Wayne County and the city of Richmond have approved additional incentives at the request of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County Indiana.
“Blue Buffalo is an excellent and well-established company and we are excited to welcome them to Richmond. This ground breaking isn’t a finish line but a milestone of the success we will share in years to come,” concluded Richmond Mayor Dave Snow. “This is all thanks to a collaborative effort of the state and local economic development corporations, Wayne County, Centerville, and the Richmond City Team.”
About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is the nation’s leading natural pet food company, and provides natural foods and treats for dogs and cats under its BLUE Life Protection Formula, BLUE Wilderness, BLUE Basics, BLUE Freedom and BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet lines. Paying tribute to its founding mission, the Company, through the Blue Buffalo Foundation, is also a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and of critical studies of pet cancer, health, treatment and nutrition at top veterinary medical schools across the United States. For more information about Blue Buffalo, visit the Company’s website at www.BlueBuffalo.com.
About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mike Pence, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
About the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County, Indiana is a county-wide, not-for-profit organization working to enhance and grow the local economy. Since 2012, the EDC of Wayne County has assisted 34 businesses in their commitment to the retention and creation of over 1,800 jobs. These projects have resulted in $360 million in new, private investment in Wayne County.
###
Media inquiries can be directed to:
Phil Cheevers
VP of Communications
Blue Buffalo Company
203-665-3234
-OR-
Abby Gras
VP of Communications
IEDC
317-232-8845