(Abilene, TX) – The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) is proud to announce that AbiMar Foods, a cookie and cracker baked goods manufacturer and subsidiary of Grupo Nutresa, will expand its operations with a $4.6 million capital investment. Established in Abilene, Texas in 1992, AbiMar Foods is a long-standing manufacturer with a 30+ year history of investing in Abilene, Texas.
“The growth and expansion of local existing companies is essential to our community, and we are proud to support AbiMar Foods in their latest expansion,” said Misty Mayo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the DCOA. “The DCOA is committed to building the future Abilene through long-term company partnerships.”
The AbiMar Foods expansion project will improve automation at all three of their facilities in Abilene by upgrading production equipment and software systems allowing for increased efficiency, improved worker safety, scalability, and enhanced consistency and quality.
“This expansion project is a true testament to Abilene’s thriving food manufacturing sector and the DCOA’s continued commitment to develop local industry,” said Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt.
The project will also renovate AbiMar’s office, employee break area, and restrooms to better serve the needs of their employees at the north plant location. The company’s project will retain 550 employees.
“Investing in AbiMar Foods’ expansion reflects the DCOA’s dedication to the community’s growth and well-being,” said Shea Hall, Chair of the DCOA Board of Directors.
Over the next two years, the company will invest $4.6 million through the expansion project. DCOA company partnership incentives are reimbursed to the company after it meets its contracted capital investment requirements. For every $1.00 the DCOA invests in the company, AbiMar Foods is projected to generate a direct economic output of $476.15 for Abilene, Texas over 2-years.
“Our partnership with the DCOA has been a cornerstone of our success and growth here in Abilene,” said Rafael Henao, CEO of AbiMar Foods. “This investment highlights our commitment to excellence and innovation in our operations as we will continue to deliver outstanding products and contribute positively to the local economy.”
This expansion taps into Abilene’s skilled labor force in the food manufacturing industry. With four universities, a technical college, a community college, and state-of-the-art training facilities for high school and college students, the community boasts the necessary education to support future workforce opportunities.
About AbiMar Foods
AbiMar Foods, Inc. was established in Abilene, Texas in February 1992 and was previously known as Fehr Foods, Inc. In October 2010, the company was acquired by Grupo Nutresa, one of the largest food groups in South America. Since then, AbiMar Foods has continued to work under the premises and objectives that the company was founded upon. AbiMar Foods’ commitment to providing a wide variety of bakery products reflects their dedication to meeting the ever-changing demands of our customers while working with passion to achieve their goals acting with integrity.
About the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA)
The DCOA is the economic development driver of Abilene with the goal to build the future Abilene by attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, foster strong business, and ensure a prosperous community. The DCOA is focused on the future success of the community and leverages the DevelopAbilene partnership to market Abilene as the premier location for business expansion. Learn more about the DCOA and DevelopAbilene at www.developabilene.com.
About Abilene
Abilene, Texas, is located in Taylor County, Texas. Directly on I-20, just two and half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth metro, Abilene is strategically located in the south-central United States. The city has a population of 127,129 people and is a regional hub representing a civilian labor force of more than 145,000 people. In addition to powerful professionals, the community has a robust infrastructure and a strategic location in the south-central United States that secures Abilene as the premier location for global manufacturers.
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Contact: Ashley Whitmer
Phone: 325-280-0876
Email: Ashley.Whitmer@AbileneDCOA.com
