NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
CONTACT: Natalie Likness, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, 605.773.3301

Interbake Foods LLC Approved For Reinvestment Payment Program

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. –   Interbake Foods LLC, a manufacturer of cookies and crackers with a facility based in North Sioux City, S.D., was approved today for a Reinvestment Payment by the Board of Economic Development. The payment will aid the company in updating its equipment to make packaging more efficient. Interbake Foods, through its division ABC Bakers, is the oldest and most experienced Girl Scout cookie manufacturer in the country.

“Interbake Foods LLC has been baking cookies and crackers for more than 115 years, and employs nearly 1000 employees nationwide, including more than 500 employees in North Sioux City,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “Not only will the company be upgrading existing equipment and adding new machinery to retain its competitive edge, but a number of existing employees will also be elevated into higher paying operator positions to run the new equipment.”

“We are very fortunate to operate in South Dakota,” said Kevin McDonough, president, Interbake Foods. “The Reinvestment Payment Program is attractive for businesses looking to expand, add or improve equipment. The approved funding from the GOED was a key decision in updating the equipment and making the capital investment at our facility in South Dakota and, once installed, will allow Interbake Foods to be more efficient and competitive at this facility.”

According to McDonough, the new equipment will require some training and will upgrade approximately 24 operator positions once the installation of the equipment is complete. The new equipment will also result in pay increases for some of the facility’s equipment operators.

“Interbake is an extremely important part of North Sioux City's business community,” said North Sioux City Economic Development director, Kory Menken. “This is a significant investment for the company, our community and our state. We look forward to Interbake's continued growth, and our ongoing partnership."

Interbake Foods is the 10^th company to be approved for the program.

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