Kemper Foods International Announces Plans to Expand Operations in New Albany

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Nov. 10, 2009) – One Southern Indiana is pleased to announce Kemper Foods International, LLC’s plans to expand its New Albany operations, creating more than 350 new jobs by 2012.

The manufacturer of frozen foods for restaurants and brand name retailers will invest more than $6.8 million toward equipment and building improvements. This expansion more than doubles the size of the company’s 24,000 square-foot U.S. Department of Agriculture Superior Rated food production facility in New Albany’s Park East Industrial Park.

“Hundreds of new jobs in New Albany – added to several hundred more recently announced in the northeast and western parts of our state – is a strong indicator that Indiana is holding its own during this global recession,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “We couldn’t be happier that Kemper Foods has chosen to grow this promising venture in Indiana.”

Founded in 2008 by New Albany entrepreneur, Michael V. Kemper, who partnered with veteran food production tycoon, Jeno F. Paulucci, the privately held company will soon begin hiring additional production associates, supervisors, and clerical staff to meet the needs of the growing operations.

“The entrepreneurial spirit that created Kemper Foods International is what makes jobs, capital, and opportunities a reality for our citizens,” said Michael Dalby, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana, the regional economic development group for Clark and Floyd Counties. “We congratulate Kemper Foods on their expansion plans and share in their excitement for the future.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Kemper Foods International up to $1.1 million in performance-based tax credits and up to $145,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. The city of New Albany will consider additional property tax abatement and incentives at the request of One Southern Indiana.

“We are extremely excited by this business venture in New Albany,” said Kemper, who serves as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Indiana provides us with an ideal environment to grow this business because of its workforce availability, excellent market access to serve our customers, and overall pro-business climate. We appreciate the support from the City of New Albany and the State of Indiana and the guidance of One Southern Indiana. Everyone has really made us feel welcomed and wanted in New Albany.”

“Being in the food processing business globally for over a half of a century, I’m happy to say that I have never been more excited in the potential of global growth of Kemper Foods International because of the genius of innovation and the uniqueness of its products and the worldwide large corporate customers that it can serve on a custom packing basis,” said Paulucci.

“The city could not be more excited about Kemper Foods International’s plans to grow here in New Albany,” said Mayor Doug England. “The announcement of these jobs and this investment in our city is especially welcomed news in this challenging economy. We look forward to Kemper’s continued success and future growth.”

About Kemper Foods International, LLC
Kemper Foods International, LLC has been in business since January 05, 2008. Kemper Foods International, LLC manufacturers its own line of frozen food items and also co-manufactures for other companies as well.

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana is a business advancement organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, existing business growth, and attracting new enterprises to the Southern Indiana/Greater Louisville region. Since its creation in July 2006, One Southern Indiana’s economic development efforts have resulted in commitments for approximately 5,259 net new jobs in Clark and Floyd Counties. Kemper Foods International, LLC represents the organization’s 54th successful project location or expansion. Combined, these 54 locations will contribute more than $255 million in new initial capital investment and $183 million in new annual payroll to Southern Indiana. For more information, please visit www.1si.org.

About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.

-30-

Media Contacts:
Mike Kemper (Kemper Foods) – 812.945.7400 or kemper@gottafrittata.com
Michael Dalby (One Southern Indiana) – 812.945.0266 or michaeld@1si.org
Blair West (IEDC) – 317.232.8873 or bwest@iedc.in.gov