ELKHART -- Now it's up to the redevelopment commission to try lure a George Weston Bakeries Inc. plant to Elkhart.
The Elkhart County Council asked the redevelopment commission to figure out the economic incentive package for the company Saturday.
County officials plan to expand a special tax district to help the company.
Council member Dennis Sharkey wanted to know if the money from the special tax district could be used for equipment purchase.
Council President John Letherman said it could, but later said that the commission will figure out how it can help.
In the Tax Incremental Financing district utilities, roads and other improvements would be paid for by new taxes the company pays.
A significant local effort would qualify the company to apply for state grants estimated to be at least $2 million, according to local officials.
The company already broke ground in Remington Industrial Park along C.R. 6, Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder told the council. In the hopes to be up and running by next December, the company wanted to build the foundation before the ground freezes, he said after the meeting.
A chance exists that the company may go elsewhere, he said.
"One county to the east" already is offering the company a tax abatement, Yoder told the council.
The maker of such brands as Thomas English Muffins, Entenmann's baked goods and Boboli pizza crust would invest $14 million in real estate and $30 million in equipment, Letherman said.
The company would bring 100 jobs to the area.