Just 18 months ago, Boar’s Head Brand officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of their new meat processing facility just south of New Castle. Tuesday, they conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by several state and local elected officials and other community leaders.
Sarasota, Florida-based Boar’s Head Brand, one of the nation’s leading providers of premium delicatessen foods, celebrated the opening of its new 150,000 square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility by welcoming Indiana Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, president of the Henry County Board of Commissioners Ed Yanos, New Castle Mayor Greg York, assorted members of the Henry County Council and New Castle City Council, local economic development officials and others.
“It took us many years and an exhaustive search across the country to find a home for this facility. From our first visit to Indiana and New Castle, it was apparent that there was something special about this community, and that this was the ideal home for our business,” said Michael Martella, Boar’s Head Brand President. “We are proud to have made this investment in New Castle, Henry County and the State of Indiana. This new facility is an excellent example of our tradition of supporting local communities through job creation and partnerships, and it’s the beginning a long-term, cooperative business partnership with Indiana.”
The new Boar’s Head facility, located at 125 E. County Road 400 S., begins test operations this month with plans to be fully operational by June. The company has spent more than $80,000 to construct its newest production facility on 64.7 acres in the industrial park just east of Ind. 3.
New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Corey Murphy led the local effort to bring Boar’s Head to Henry County. He was obviously elated to officially help welcome them to the community.
“This is truly a very good day to be in Henry County,” he said. “This is the result of a team effort. If it weren’t for the collaborative leadership of the city and county, along with many other partners, this wouldn’t be possible.”
“This is a premium company that chose Henry County, the crossroads of America, and I look forward to them prospering here along with Henry County,” Yanos said. “We believe Henry County has much to offer, especially our Interstate highway access, and we are absolutely thrilled that food manufacturing companies like Boar’s Head Brand are choosing to locate here.”
Elizabeth Ward, Boar’s Head Director of Communication, said the company is thrilled to be in Henry County and is looking forward to getting the local facility up and running. She also talked about employment opportunities.
“We’ve filled 80 positions to date, but we’re still hiring for both manager and associate positions. We plan to hire upwards of 200 people at this facility. Interested applicants should go to the WorkOne office in New Castle or they can go online to boarshead.com/careers,” Ward said. “We are going to manufacture premium Boar’s Head meats at this facility. Some of our most popular products are going to be made in this facility and they will be available across the country and in Puerto Rico.”
Specifically, the New Castle plant will process poultry, pork and beef products.
“This is a very big deal,” Mayor York said. “This is going to help our community tremendously. This is a family-owned company and we’re just excited to be part of the family.”
County council member Mike Thalls also was excited about Boar’s Head coming to town.
“This is a world-class operation, and to think New Castle and Henry County was able to bring this business here is unbelievable. It shows that we’re going the right direction. We’re making the right contacts, and there’s going to be more,” Thalls said.
Boar’s Head was founded in 1905. The company offers more than 500 products ranging from premium delicatessen meats, cheeses and condiments to an array of Italian delicacies, hummus and foodservice items. For more information, visit www.boarshead.com.
