A $3.3 million expansion by a grain storage company sows a seed in the area’s economy, Allen County leaders say.
Central States Enterprises Inc. made the announcement Thursday in a joint statement with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the city of New Haven.
The company plans to install a concrete grain silo and accompanying equipment at its New Haven plant. In 2006, Central States raised two similar silos, which added 1.3 million bushels to storage capacity.
The latest expansion will result in two new jobs. The company currently employs 23 in New Haven.
Central States’ roots began in Fort Wayne in 1947, but it has had a location in New Haven for 36 years.
That kind of longevity can’t be overlooked, said Ashley Steenman, senior development officer for the alliance.
“It’s good to help retain them and show them our support,” she said. “They have locations here but also in other parts of Indiana and Florida. We want to keep them here.”
The company will ask the New Haven City Council for a seven-year tax abatement that will save the business $266,100 during that period. The council will hear the matter at 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers, 815 Lincoln Highway E.
“New Haven is home to much of our infrastructure, which is what helped make this location the right choice for this project,” said John Stanford, vice president of Indiana operations for Central States.
“The facility’s proximity to the east-west and north-south mainline of the Norfolk Southern Railroad allows us to reach a significant amount of our customer base, making this investment essential to the continued success of our company.”
Mayor Terry McDonald left no doubt as to his feelings on the expansion, which should be completed by October.
“Central States Enterprises’ investment is essential to sustain positive economic growth in the City of New Haven,” McDonald said in a news release. “Not only will the company invest over $3 million into the area, but they will also retain and create high quality jobs for our local workforce.”
Besides its grain operations, Central States also specializes in marketing with other locations in LaOtto, Montpelier and Lake City, Fla.
The company does business with feed operations, independent elevators, cooperatives, integrated poultry and swine producers, and international consumers.
