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Jefferson City, Missouri (KMIZ)
A multinational company is investing tens of millions of dollars in a facility in Jefferson City and plans to add a new line of healthy drinks.
Unilever’s Jefferson City director Michael Whelan said the company plans to invest $80 million to expand its Jefferson City project to produce Liquid IV, a beverage that is expected to help hydrate people. Gov. Mike Parson was among the dignitaries in attendance at the announcement Tuesday morning at Unilever’s Truman Boulevard facility.
The Liquid IV brand was acquired by UK-based Unilever, which makes consumer goods such as soap.
The company already employs 450 people locally. Whelan said it’s too early to know whether this will create more jobs, but new skill sets will be needed and the company currently has openings.
“We will continue to add headcount to these various investments,” Whelan said. “What else happens in a year, two years from now, this is a business. So until those details are finalized, I think it’s a little premature to comment on those exact numbers.” I guess so. ”
This investment in the Mid-Missouri economy comes at a time when some Missouri companies are laying off workers and closing their doors, like Tyson, which laid off thousands of workers last year. . Michelle Hattaway with the Missouri Department of Economic Development said current unemployment rates are low and there are many job opportunities in the state.
“Unfortunately, sometimes you have to make business decisions, but as a state, we’re always looking for opportunities to make sure these companies can continue to grow here in Missouri. ” Hattaway said.
Unilever last month sought property tax incentives to build a warehouse in Jefferson City. Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater said Tuesday it was a $25 million investment.
This investment was made possible thanks to several tax breaks that Jefferson City promised Unilever. At last Monday’s meeting, the Jefferson City Council approved Chapter 100 bonds for IUnilever. This type of bond allows you to reduce your property taxes.
Mr Fitzwater said part of Unilever’s motivation for making this $80 million investment was these 75% tax breaks. There was competition from several other cities for this investment.
Fitzwater said the support the city provides is worth the company’s investment in the community.
“Well, they’re helping and obviously investing in our community,” Fitzwater said. “They live here. Their kids go to school here, go to church here, shop in our stores. We want to continue that. Yes. I We have a big focus on “We’re open for business” in Jefferson City. We are working to attract businesses to our community. ”
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