Schreiber Foods Plans $316 Million Expansion in Carthage, Missouri, Potentially Adding 250 New Jobs

Carthage, MO, November 13, 2024 — Schreiber Foods, a Wisconsin-based dairy giant, has unveiled plans for a substantial expansion of its operations in Carthage, Missouri. If completed as proposed, this new project could bring as many as 250 additional jobs to the city, marking a major investment in the local economy.

Expansion Plans and Tax Incentives

The expansion proposal includes building a new 253,000-square-foot production facility, with a projected total investment of $316 million. Schreiber is pursuing tax abatements under Missouri’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) program, which offers property tax relief to projects that create significant local employment.

The Carthage City Council was set to hold a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss these abatements, but the meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Mayor Alan Snow expressed disappointment over the delay, stating, “It’s 101 jobs just for the first phase of the Schreiber expansion. Hopefully, we won’t face further delays so we can keep moving forward on this important project.” The hearing is now expected to take place on December 10, after a 20-day public notification period.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

Schreiber’s expansion would add around 101 new jobs in the first phase, with wages averaging $23 per hour. The project may scale further, potentially adding 251 jobs if the company opts for the full 253,000-square-foot facility. Under Missouri’s EEZ law, projects creating over 100 jobs qualify for a six-year, 100% property tax abatement, while projects creating over 250 jobs are eligible for an eight-year abatement.

Jeff Meredith, president of the Carthage Economic Development Commission, noted that the expansion represents a valuable boost to the city’s employment and economic prospects, especially given the current demand for skilled labor in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.

Schreiber Foods’ Growing Footprint in Carthage

Schreiber, which already employs over 1,300 people in Carthage, operates two production plants and distribution centers across the city. In 2023, the company completed a $52 million, 415,000-square-foot distribution facility on Hazel Avenue. This growth has fueled infrastructure upgrades, including a $2.7 million roundabout at the I-49 and Route HH interchange, which Schreiber helped fund to streamline truck access to its facilities.

In partnership with the city, Schreiber also contributed to strengthening Hazel Avenue to support increased truck traffic, reflecting its ongoing commitment to Carthage’s infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

If the proposed expansion reaches full scale, it would position Schreiber Foods as one of the largest employers in Carthage, cementing the city’s role as a hub for food production and distribution in the region. The Carthage City Council’s upcoming public hearing will be a critical step in finalizing the tax abatements that could enable this significant investment.

For Carthage residents, the expansion promises both job growth and economic revitalization, demonstrating how strategic investments and public-private partnerships can drive prosperity in local communities.