Food Processing
Sales Sheet Download [PDF 589K]
Indiana companies in the food processing industry value land, location and hard-work. Northeast Indiana offers the food processing industry customer access through our extensive transportation options, proximity to large markets, business incentives and affordable site options. And, our Indiana workforce is dedicated and hard-working. Those are just some of the reasons that the food processing industry thrives in Northeast Indiana.
It is no secret that the Midwest has a long agricultural history, leaving it well-suited and convenient for food processing industry leaders. Northeast Indiana is no exception to this rule and Indiana companies have long found themselves, in the food processing industry, reaping the benefits of a location that understands food production and transportation.
Indiana companies, such as Kraft Foods, Edy's Grand Ice Cream, Good Humor Breyers, Pretzels Inc., Red Gold, and Bunge find that Northeast Indiana fits their food processing industry needs and expectations. They add their strengths and credibility to Northeast Indiana's food processing industry reputation, and we contribute our strengths to their business success. Business advantages for Northeast Indiana companies in the food processing industry include ready access to transportation options, including more than a hundred trucking companies, proximity to Indianapolis and other major metros and the good company of successful Indiana companies in the food processing industry.
| Major Employers in Food Processing |
| Peyton's Northern |
1,185
|
| Edy's Grand Ice Cream |
486
|
| Wal-Mart Distribution Center |
450
|
| C&M Fine Pack, Inc. |
428
|
| Miller Poultry |
400
|
| Supervalu-FW Division |
400
|
| Kraft Foods |
398
|
| Silgan Plastics Corp. |
380
|
| Lincoln Foodservice Products |
365
|
| Mullinix Packages, Inc. |
360
|
| Red Gold |
312
|
| For a more extensive listing of food processing employers with additional detail, please visit our Business & Industry page |
In Northeast Indiana, the food processing industry produces and prepares exceptional products for distribution throughout the Nation. Our food processing industry plays a large part in animal food manufacturing, grain and oilseed milling, fruit and vegetable processing and specialty foods manufacturing. In Northeast Indiana, we are a region of cash crops, grain processing, fruits and vegetables and, we are home to Indiana companies representing premium ice cream brands, delectable chocolates and various tomato products.
Northeast Indiana lends itself well to the food processing industry's needs for land, transportation and a ready workforce. The food processing industry is already a major presence in our region and we believe that it will continue to grow and flourish.
| Annual Average Wages By Occupation, 2008 |
|
NEI
|
U.S.
|
NEI/U.S.
|
|
Dietitians & Nutritionists
|
$45,757
|
$51,470
|
88.9%
|
|
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
|
$32,622
|
$23,560
|
138.5%
|
|
Bakers
|
$24,995
|
$25,050
|
99.8%
|
|
Butchers & Meat Cutters
|
$29,985
|
$29,700
|
101.0%
|
|
Food & Tobacco Roasting, Baking & Drying Machine Operators
|
$28,485
|
$28,610
|
99.6%
|
|
Food Batchmakers
|
$33,590
|
$26,290
|
127.8%
|
|
Crushing, Grinding & Polishing Machine Operators
|
$35,968
|
$31,360
|
114.7%
|
|
Cutting & Slicing Machiner Operators
|
$30,447
|
$30,020
|
101.4%
|
|
Extruding, Forming, Pressing & Compacting Machine Operators
|
$35,748
|
$30,430
|
117.5%
|
|
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier & Kettle Operators
|
$36,404
|
$32,950
|
110.5%
|
|
Cleaning, Washing & Metal Picking Equip. Operators
|
$30,076
|
$26,140
|
115.1%
|
|
Molders, Shapers & Casters, Except Metal & Plastic
|
$29,408
|
$29,090
|
101.1%
|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OES and Indiana DWD
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Almost 17.5% of all farms in Indiana are located in the 10-county northeast Indiana region, while comprising only 11.9% of farmland in Indiana.
Our region also makes up the following for all of Indiana:
11.7% of all harvested cropland
19.2% of all cattle inventory
28.8% of all cattle and calves sold
22.1% of milk cows
15.5% of all hog and pig inventory
16.2% of all hogs and pigs sold
18.3% of all sheep & lamb inventory
12.6% of all poultry inventory
21.1% of all wheat for grain
42.8% of all oats for grain
15.5% of all soybeans
13.3% of all sweetcorn
57.8% of all maple syrup
17.8% of all nut farms
12.5% of all non citrus farms
15.1% of all apple farms
21.3% of organic farms
POULTRY
LaGrange County alone provided over 31.4% of all broilers sold in Indiana.
GRAIN
Northeast Indiana provided 9.4% of all corn for grain in the state.
OTHER PRODUCTION
Northeast Indiana is involved in the production of barley, sorghum, milk goats, bees and honey, horses and ponies, hay, fruits and nuts, and vegetables.
Farming Information Source: 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture
For more information on how your company or project can fit into the Northeast Indiana food processing industry, contact the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership.