A new merge between a local meat processing plant and food production company Monogram Food Solutions has already supplied 40 new jobs to Delaware County residents.
It is expected to provide at least 50 more within the next year.
Last week, Monogram Food Solutions announced the $4 million expansion of its Muncie division, Monogram Comfort Foods. The new branch was created by the merger and acquisition of Al Pete Meats, a Muncie-based meat processing plant founded in 1961.
With the expansion, the company is looking to double the number of its labor positions.
"Al Pete Meats was employing about 15 people when we got here," Steve Hofford, vice president and general manager for Monogram Comfort Food, said. "Now we have somewhere between 55 and 60."
And Hofford said they're looking to hire more.
Hofford said he projects that they will hire another 50 employees in the next 12 months and said he is confident the increase in employment will positively affect Muncie's economy.
"100 employees making $20,000 a year, that's going right back into Muncie businesses," Hofford said.
The company is expected to increase sales exponentially with the new expansion. Its projected $11 million annual revenue will more than quadruple Al Pete Meats' average $2.5 million.
Monogram Comfort Foods does not seem nervous to be undergoing an expensive expansion and renovation during such hard economic times when most other companies are scaling back, Hofford said.
"Everybody's got to eat," he said. "A box of corn dogs costs two dollars or so, that can feed five kids. Almost all our facilities fit well into this economic climate."
Monogram Food Solutions is a nationwide producer and distributor of beef jerky, hot dogs, corn dogs, smoked sausage and a variety of other meat snacks. The Monogram Comfort Foods division, located just south of downtown on Willard St., specializes in the production of corn dogs and meat fritters.
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