Smart Energy Plan supports new Swift Foods expansion in Moberly

Good jobs are the backbone of strong communities. Thanks to Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan Economic Development Incentive, companies are expanding and jobs are staying in Missouri.

One such company to take advantage of the Economic Development Incentive is Swift Prepared Foods. The company recently announced the opening of a new facility in Moberly, which is creating 200 jobs.

The $68M plant will produce ready-to-eat, fully-cooked bacon. Gov. Mike Parson was on hand in late May for the ribbon cutting as part of Swift's grand opening to celebrate the new facility.

"It is always exciting when companies choose to invest and grow in Missouri," said Parson. "With the opening of its facility here in Moberly and the recent announcement of its new facility in Columbia, Swift Prepared Foods has shown a commitment to the people of this state. We are proud that Missouri is home to great companies like this one and look forward to working together for many years to come."

"Missouri is a great place to do business. With modern energy laws, we are partnering to attract businesses and job growth to our state, such as with the new Swift Prepared Foods facility in Moberly," said Marty Lyons, president of Ameren Missouri. "In Missouri, new and expanding businesses can get one of the best economic development rate incentives in the country. It's just one way we are helping communities with the Ameren Missouri Smart Energy Plan."

Ameren Missouri and the state offer one of the nation's most comprehensive economic incentive programs, including an average 40% base electric rate discount, over a five-year agreement term, for qualified businesses.

"This is a great day for Swift Prepared Foods, and we are proud to call Missouri home as we continue to grow our company and create opportunity for our team members," said Tom Lopez, president and chief operating officer of Swift Prepared Foods. "This milestone marks our entrance into the region, and we look forward to making Moberly an even better place to live and work."

Swift Prepared Foods highlighted Moberly's strategic location, as well as support from the community and state as key reasons for itsdecision to expand into the region.

"Moberly and Randolph County are fortunate to welcome such a quality employer to our area," said Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation president Michael Bugalski. "We extend our sincere thanks to Swift Prepared Foods for choosing our community for this substantial investment. We look forward to a long relationship with Swift Prepared Foods and are thankful for the opportunity to bring new jobs and investment to the area."

"We are thrilled that Swift Prepared Foods chose to invest in Missouri," said Subash Alias, Missouri Partnership CEO. "Missouri Partnership was honored to partner with Austin Consulting, and our friends at the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation, Ameren Missouri, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Development Finance Board to bring this project to Missouri."

This is the sixth facility in the country for Swift Prepared Foods. For the Moberly location, the company utilized the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

Swift Prepared Foods is also partnering with Missouri One Start, which will provide the company with workforce recruitment and training assistance tailored to meet their specific needs. The BUILD program, a program that helps companies embark on major investment and job creation expansions, was also used by the company, in addition to Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan Economic Development incentive.