Toronto-based baked goods producer Weston Foods has decided to locate its US headquarters to Brownsburg, Indiana, where it is investing US$1.6m in renovating an existing production facility.
 
The 200,000 square foot factory for Maplehurst Bakeries, a subsidiary of Weston Foods, will house the parent company’s US head office.
 
“When searching for the ideal place to locate our new U.S. headquarters, Weston Foods considered locations where our company currently runs its bakeries across the country,” said Kevin McDonough, president of Weston Foods North America Frozen.
 
 “We chose Indiana for our headquarters because this state’s business climate is ideal for growing and creating new jobs. With the state’s central U.S. location, being based in Indiana allows us to easily oversee our operations across the country.”
 
Construction is already underway at the Brownsburg outfit, which will provide office space, as well as an updated research and development centre
 
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Maplehurst  a financial incentive worth up to $220,000 based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until employees are employed, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.
 
Weston Foods – part of George Weston Ltd – currently employs more than 2000 workers across the US, including 500 in Indiana. The company will be creating up to 16 new jobs which are expected to pay up to 180% more than the state’s average wage.
 
“It’s clear that great things happen to states that cut taxes and red tape, just as we have here in Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence.
 
“Weston Foods is an international company, and could have located its US headquarters anywhere. This company’s decision to locate in the Hoosier state demonstrates that companies choose to grow in business climates designed to support their success. “
 
The new US headquarters will complement Weston’s global headquarters in Toronto, improve communication between its subsidiaries across the country and provide a centralized location for its US leadership when facility upgrades are complete in September, claimed the company.