Beck's Superior Hybrids a developer of regionally adapted seeds, announced today that it will expand its operations, creating up to 72 new jobs by 2015.
The company, which produces and sells seed corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and forages to farmers in the Midwest, will invest more than $24.5 million to construct several new facilities to house the company's expansion in research, production, processing and logistics operations.
"Just like it's important to attract new business, it's also important to make sure you maintain an environment that allows existing businesses like Beck's Superior Hybrids to prosper," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "Beck's was founded here and we're glad that they're continuing their commitment by investing in the workforce of Central Indiana."
Beck's Superior Hybrids, which currently employs more than 175 people in Atlanta, Ind., plans to hire an additional 15 to 20 employees by the end of 2010 to help support the future facilities' personnel needs. Additional hiring will take place as operations are phased in at the new facilities.
"Working with the IEDC has been a very positive factor in keeping our expansion plans here in Indiana," said Sonny Beck, president of Beck's Superior Hybrids.
Founded in 1937 by Lawrence and Francis Beck, the company is currently in its fourth generation of family management. Beck's operates out of eight locations in Indiana and Illinois where they conduct a variety of activities including research, production, processing and shipping. Some locations are owned by Beck's while others are based on contract agreements with the operation's owners.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Beck's Superior Hybrids up to $650,000 in performance-based tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. Hamilton County will provide additional property tax abatement.
"Hamilton County is very pleased to support and know that Beck's Superior Hybrids is continuing its growth at home. The agricultural communities of Indiana and the Midwest will continue to benefit from Beck's growth and their leading edge research," said Meredith Carter, president, Hamilton County Council.
According to the United State's Department of Agriculture's 2009 Agriculture Overview for Indiana, the state is home to more than 61,000 farms, encompassing 14.8 million acres of land.
About Beck's Superior Hybrids
Beck's Hybrids is a family-owned and operated seed company that serves farmers in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. According to a recent media survey, Beck's ranks as the sixth largest seed company in the United States and the only one in the top six that is family-owned, making Beck's the largest retail, family-owned seed company in the United States. For more information visit www.beckshybrids.com
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.