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While unemployment continues to be an issue in the Ozarks one Springfield business is creating new jobs and gaining some financial benefits. KSMU’s Chasity Mayes reports.
Kraft Foods has been approved to receive state tax credits by the Missouri Department of Economic Development because of its plans to add 50 jobs over the next six to nine months. The money, which totaled over 390,000 dollars, was given through the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Program which helps create new jobs and investments.
Kraft plans to invest 9 million dollars in 2 new manufacturing lines. That made them eligible for the credit.
Kristen Westerman, manager of workforce development for the Springfield Area Chamber.
“Kraft also does compete, our local facility here competes with other facilities for an expansion. So, we’re excited that they have chosen Springfield to continue to expand,” says Westerman.
Westerman also said even though it’s only 50 jobs, any number of jobs will make a difference when it comes to improving the unemployment rate. And, she says it is the quality of jobs offered by the plant that sets it apart: Each of the 50 new jobs offered by Kraft will be above the county average in pay and include a comprehensive benefits package.
For KSMU News, I’m Chasity Mayes.