Bob Evans Farms expanding in Hillsdale, adding 17 new jobs

Bob Evans Farms will be expanding and adding jobs in Michigan with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the MEDC announced today.

LANSING, Mich. – Bob Evans Farms will be expanding and adding jobs in Michigan with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the MEDC announced today. The expansion is expected to generate up to $4.1 million in new capital investment and create 17 new jobs in Michigan.

“Bob Evans’ investment and growing presence here demonstrate Michigan’s leadership in agriculture and food production, and we thank the company for continuing to expand in Michigan,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “It is through the efforts of the City of Hillsdale and the Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County that this expansion is taking place, and we are very pleased to support this collaboration.”

Bob Evans Farms, headquartered in Columbus, OH, is a category leader in fresh sausage, refrigerated mash potatoes, and side dishes. It also owns nearly 600 full-service restaurants in 19 states. The company plans to refurbish and expand an existing packaging facility in the City of Hillsdale, investing up to $4.1 million and creating 17 new jobs. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project with a six mill State Education Tax exemption estimated at $119,000.

“On behalf of the City of Hillsdale, it is a great honor for me to be able to thank Bob Evans Farms for expanding its facility, growing its operation, and creating more much-needed employment opportunities in Hillsdale,” said City of Hillsdale Mayor Scott Sessions. “It is a very exciting time for all of Hillsdale, and I am grateful to the Bob Evans Corporation for selecting the Hillsdale facility for its expansion. I hope this is just the beginning of greater employment growth and better economic times for the City of Hillsdale.”

“A 12-year PA 198 IFT tax abatement from the City of Hillsdale will result in $523,000 in property tax savings for Bob Evans Farms,” said City Manager Linda Brown. “The tax abatement will help the company increase its productivity and output of product, and ultimately increase employment opportunities for Hillsdale residents.” 

South Central Michigan Works!, in coordination with the Hillsdale Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County, regional Michigan Works! partners, local colleges, MEDC, and other partners, will provide hiring and training assistance.

“Bob Evans’ expansion highlights the continued growth of Michigan’s food and agriculture sector,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams. “The food and agriculture industry in the state, across the country, and around the world knows that Michigan is open for business.”

“The Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County is very focused on our agricultural sector and extremely pleased that Bob Evans has chosen to invest in our county,” said Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County Executive Director Susan M. Smith. “The EDP works diligently in partnership with the MEDC, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Hillsdale County, South Central Michigan works and the City of Hillsdale to support the growth of Bob Evans Farms in any way possible.”

Job applicants can apply for open positions at http://employment.bobevans.com/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.