Nestle breaks ground for Anderson plant

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Anderson - A sweet deal for the state means more jobs for Anderson. Nestlé plans to build a new plant in Central Indiana.

Nestlé USA executives were joined Tuesday morning by state and city leaders, including Governor Daniels and Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith, to officially break ground for the new, 880,000-square-foot facility in Anderson. The factory and distribution center is set for completion in spring 2008.

The $359 million center will produce and distribute Nestlé Nesquik and Ready-to-Drink and Nestlé Coffeemate products. The company says it will be the first Nestlé facility ever in the U.S. to focus efforts entirely on the production and distribution of the two popular Nestlé products.

"We put all the locations through a lot of screens and there were a few that came out really on top," said Rob Case, Nestle USA. "Anderson's central location through the country, the transportation infrastructure here in Indiana is fantastic. And to be honest, it's the workforce. It's a highly motivated, well educated workforce. We think it's gonna be an ideal location for years to come."

The new plant will create over 300 jobs, Case said, with several hundred indirect jobs expected after that.

"We are so grateful that a company of this quality, a global leader, has chosen Indiana. It's a great tribute to the people of Anderson, the workforce here and the factors that Rob just mentioned. But one more step on the Indiana comeback. High-tech company, food processing company, distribution - three of the themes we have consistently mentioned as points of emphasis for bringing Indian back," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

For Anderson, it's a chance to diversify its economy. "I must say we would be happy no matter where in Indiana this momentous investment occurred, but it means something special on a day like today. Yesterday in Cambridge City, towns that have been hard-hit over the last few decades see new life, income coming back here - a more diverse set of choices for young people in the future," said the governor.

The governor was referring to a $16 million project that will bring 250 new jobs to eastern Indiana. Dot Foods will build a 200,000-square-foot facility in Cambridge City to supply stores in a five-state area. It should open in a year.

Nestlé will begin accepting applications for employment in 2007. Anyone interested in working for Nestlé should visit Nestlé's online career center at nestlejobs.com for more information. Further announcements regarding job fairs or other employment activities will be announced in 2007.