An economic development project started in July 2012 is coming to fruition after a series of conversations and visits between Marion and Café Valley Inc., a baked goods supplier based in Phoenix, Arizona. Pending receipt of the necessary New Markets Tax Credits and the finalization of other aspects of financing, Café Valley will undertake a multi-million dollar construction project leading to a new facility in Marion. The exact amount of initial investment in Marion is still being determined.
"Our business has grown to the point of needing a physical presence to better serve the Midwestern and Eastern United States," said Ron Ogan, president and CEO of Café Valley Inc. "We looked in three states and we are pleased to have found the right location in Marion, IN."
Formed in 1985, Café Valley Inc. supplies baked goods to customers throughout the United States as well as approximately 50 countries around the world. The company currently occupies a nearly 300,000 square foot facility in Phoenix, Arizona and employs hundreds of workers. The initial workforce at the new Marion location, Café Valley East, is expected to exceed 100 employees. Over the course of the first five years of operation in Marion, the company anticipates significant employment growth and substantial reinvestment in its workforce, facility, and food processing equipment.
Café Valley Inc. is focused on approximately twenty acres of land in the southern portion of the former Thompson Consumer Electronics site on the northeast corner of South Adams and 38th Streets in Marion. The new facility would utilize approximately one-third of the former Thompson campus. This pending project is viewed as a strong catalyst that could lead to additional redevelopment and utilization of the campus.
Mayor Wayne Seybold expressed his excitement for the investment and redevelopment this project entails. "Not only are we excited about the jobs this project will bring, but about the redevelopment of Marion facilities such as the Thompson facility," remarked Seybold, "We'll be taking a redevelopment project that's been in the works for nine years and transforming it into something amazing for the community. Instead of looking at the old Thompson site and saying 'Remember when,' the community will see it and think, 'Wow. We're moving forward.' This is a sweet deal for Marion."
Over the past five months, the City of Marion, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation have worked with Café Valley and CME Corporation to turn this vision into reality.