Alliance Feed set to invest millions, create jobs
Alliance Feed LLC will expand its operations and create new jobs in Whitley County, according to the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.
Alliance Feed LLC plans to invest $13.7 million to build an additional facility, purchase new equipment and create 14 new jobs. Founded in 2018 as a joint venture between Co-Alliance LLP and Farmer’s Grain and Feed, Alliance Feed will serve farming operations in Whitley and surrounding counties in northeast Indiana as a state-of-the-art pellet feed mill.
“The expansion is going to strengthen grain farming in Whitley County and add more jobs,” Dennis Shively, owner of Alliance Feed, said. “We are looking forward to bettering agriculture and providing an even greater quality of life for Whitley County.”
Manufactured feed supports farmers on two levels; it provides grain farmers a market for their crop, and gives livestock farmers a consistent, quality and locally sourced option for their feed.
“In the first year, the new feed mill is expected to consume three million bushels of corn from local farmers, which will help make grain prices more competitive in our area,” Dane Drew, Whitley County Farm Bureau president, said. “Six million bushels of corn are expected to be consumed in their fifth year of operation, as well as an opportunity for more jobs.”
The new facility will create 14 new employment opportunities with an average hourly wage of $24.04, plus benefits.
”The Whitley County EDC and the entire northeast Indiana region understands the value of agriculture to our local economy and we are pleased to have Alliance Feed make such a substantial investment in our community,” Jon Myers, EDC president, said. “This project allows agriculture to contribute at an even higher level to our local GDP, because of the value being added to locally produced commodities.”
The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer.
“We should welcome any agribusiness into our community with open arms,” Drew said.
The Whitley County Council approved a 10-year tax abatement for $10.5 million in new equipment and a five-year tax abatement for $3.1 million in real estate to expand operations at the request of Alliance Feed and the Whitley County EDC.
