DIETERICH, Ill. (WCIA) — A $2.5 million investment is allowing an animal slaughtering company to purchase space in Dieterich to construct a new facility.
On Tuesday, Governor JB Pritzker, Frichtl Processing and Slaughtering, LLC and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement for the $2.5 million investment.
The investment is in capital expenditures for the company’s expansion and will allow Frichtl to buy space in Dieterich’s new Industrial Park East and construct a 9,227-square-foot meat processing and packaging facility.
“Through incentive programs like EDGE for Startups, Illinois is empowering businesses to expand, driving economic growth, and uplifting communities statewide,” Pritzker said. “Frichtl’s expansion in Dieterich is a shining example of this impact — bringing a state-of-the-art facility that will create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and support Illinois agriculture.”
The purpose of the new facility is to improve processing efficiency with updated equipment. The project will include a front retail store that has a variety of products such as:
- Produce
- Baking goods
- Canned goods
- Dairy
- Frozen foods
Additionally, the facility itself will focus on processing beef, hogs and deer, and provide locally sourced meat products. The purpose of this is to make food access for residents easier, support local agriculture, promote sustainable food practices, strengthen economic growth and create jobs.
“Dieterich has been identified as a food desert, and there is currently nowhere in Dieterich to purchase fresh meats and fresh produce items,” said Village of Dieterich President, Brad Hardiek. “This new grocery store and meat processing facility will be a welcome addition to Dieterich, giving our residents much needed and convenient access to healthy food.”
Frichtl received the EDGE for Startups tax credit through Illinois’ comprehensive incentive package. The full agreement can be seen here.
