GOSHEN -- George Weston Bakeries Inc. closed the deal on land north of Elkhart to build its $47 million Allen Foods plant, Elkhart County Commissioner Terry Rodino said Friday.
But it's still unclear whether the company will build its facility here, said a local economic official familiar with the situation.
"They could probably still get out of the deal. I don't think anything's done until it's done," said Bill Bradley, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County. He said he's seen companies buy land and even start preliminary construction, yet still nix the project.
The key, he said, will be next month's Elkhart County Redevelopment Commission meeting.
The commission will consider a plan to gradually reimburse the developer $250,000 from the taxes generated by the bakery, said Tom Byers, county administrator. That would qualify the company to get additional aid from state economic development officials.
Construction already has begun at Remington South Industrial Park along C.R. 6. in Osolo Township.
County officials said the incentive would demonstrate the county's interest in a plant that may create 100 jobs. The plant is attractive because it helps diversify the county's economy which is heavily dependent on the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.
Weston makes such brands as Entenmann's baked goods, Boboli pizza crust and Thomas' English Muffins.