Koch Announces $19 Million Expansion

Koch Foods, LLC, announced a $19 million expansion plan for its Chattanooga area complex that will result in the creation of 60 new jobs, including 45 new positions in Hamilton County.

Plans for the project include a building renovation and production increase for the Chattanooga facility, expanding the Henagar, Alabama, hatchery operation, and computer upgrades of the Tiftonia feed mill.

“We view this project as another step in keeping on the leading edge of technology within our industry,” says Dan Nuckolls, director of operational maintenance for Koch Foods.

The company projects the farming community in the tri-state area will invest close to $30 million in construction of poultry houses to support the expansion.

According to Nuckolls, the expansion in the Chattanooga area speaks well for the company’s prior success in the community.

“Our continued development in Chattanooga is a vital aspect of our growth strategy,” Nuckolls says. “Our successful partnership with the community made the decision to grow our company in Chattanooga an easy one.”

Located at 1835 Kerr Street, Koch Foods’ Chattanooga facility is already utilizing the Renewal Community Zone tax credit, which provides a $1,500 tax credit for each employee who lives within the zone. They are expected to apply for the Commercial Revitalization Deductions incentives for the announced expansion.

The company has also been approved for a Fast Track Training Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD).

Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey believe the Koch Foods expansion will have many positive effects on the area.

“Our community has put in place tremendous tools, like the Renewal Community designation, to assist local companies in growing their businesses,” says Mayor Corker. “But this demonstrates it is the private sector that has the most profound impact on economic development and job creation.”

“Koch’s decision to include the local processing facility in this project will open doors for future opportunities, both for the company and for job-seekers,” Mayor Ramsey says. “The economic impact of such an expansion is a big plus for our citizens.”

According to Trevor Hamilton, chief economic development officer for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Koch Foods expansion reinforces the city’s trend toward multifaceted economic development.

“As we work to attract new business to our community, it is equally important to cultivate those that are already established,” Hamilton says. “It is encouraging to see an established business like Koch Foods expanding its business operations here.”

Koch Foods, an integrated poultry and food company focused on food service, upscale restaurant trade, and exports, is headquartered in Chicago. The company also has operations in Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio.

With annual sales topping $1 billion, Koch Foods has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing poultry companies in the country.