~ Combined Investment in Abilene, Texas Equals an Estimated $76.3 Million ~
Abilene, TX — The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) presented “Project Tiger,” “Project Future Hope,” and “Project Double T” to the City Council of Abilene. The City Council’s approval of all three projects represents a huge win for the citizens of Abilene to the amount of an estimated $76.3 million committed to be invested in Abilene.
“We are proud to announce these three major partnerships and expansions directly following our success of bringing Great Lakes Cheese (GLC) to Abilene,” said Misty Mayo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the DCOA. “These projects represent the resilience and growth of the Abilene community, and we look forward to future developments with all of them,” continued Mayo.
“Project Tiger” was the designated name for the partnership with Primal Pet Group and the City Council’s approval of the $3.16 million incentive package enables the DCOA to enter into an agreement with Primal Pet for the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Five Points Business Park. Primal Pet Group’s expansion project is expected to create and retain over 250 jobs in Abilene.
“It continues to be an honor partnering with the Abilene community to expand Primal Pet Group’s operations by almost 60,000 square feet. This $30 million investment is critical to the Primal Pack’s fast paced growth strategy and mission to provide more dogs and cats wholesome, healthy, minimally processed foods,” said Travis Moore, Chief Operations Officer of Primal Pet Group.
Primal Pet Group expects to invest $31.6 million in the community, meaning for every $1.00 the DCOA invests through its incentive package, Primal Pets will invest $45.02 in Abilene through initial capital investment and direct spend over the next 10 years.
“Project Future Hope” was the designated name for the partnership with NEXT Lab and the City Council’s approval of the $2.93 million incentive package enables the DCOA to enter into an agreement with NEXT Lab to expand its research and development facility at the former Taylor Elementary School site. NEXT Lab’s expansion plans will retain 28 jobs while creating an additional 37 jobs, including 13 projected student positions.
“These projects are a tremendous win for Abilene,” said Mayor Anthony Williams. “Our community will not only benefit from stronger healthcare, research and development, and manufacturing facilities, but there are now additional well-paying, sustainable jobs available for the citizens of Abilene.”
ACU expects to invest $29.3 million in the community through NEXT Lab, meaning for every $1.00 the DCOA invests in the company through its incentive package, $23.14 is invested back into Abilene through initial capital investment and direct spend over the next 10 years.
“The support of our Abilene community and the DCOA is critical to our success, and we’re thankful for this partnership,” said Dr. Rusty Towell, Director of NEXT Lab. “Through this groundbreaking research venture, Abilene and ACU are at the forefront of developing advanced nuclear technology to address global energy needs,” Towell concluded.
“Project Double T” was the designated name for the partnership with Hendrick Health and the City Council’s approval of the $1.54 million incentive package enables the DCOA to enter into an agreement with Hendrick Health to expand its back office and warehousing facility in the Mall of Abilene. Hendrick Health’s expansion project is expected to retain 317 employees while creating an additional 74 jobs within the Abilene community.
“As always, we are focused on the long-term benefits these type of projects will have on our community and the strong return on investments demonstrate just how successfully the DCOA and local companies continue to work together to benefit the Abilene community,” said Jack Rich, DCOA Board Chair.
Hendrick Health expects to invest $15.4 million in the community, meaning for every $1.00 the DCOA invests in the company through its incentive package, Hendrick Health invests $28.66 back into Abilene through initial capital investment and direct spend over the next 10 years.
“This new service center is another way Hendrick is expanding access to our services and extending our mission while reducing inefficiency and fragmentation,” said Brad Holland, President and CEO of Hendrick Health. “By relocating existing administrative services currently housed in and around our campuses, we can reallocate valuable space to expand clinical services for patients,” Holland concluded.
About Primal Pet Group
As a world class manufacturer of minimally processed diets, treats and supplements, we’ve assembled a team with decades of experience across varied production processes that best retain the natural nutritional efficacy of the superior ingredients we source. Our “Primal Pack” produces our products across 4 facilities located in California, Washington Colorado and here in Abilene, Texas. Upon completion, the Abilene location will be a flagship manufacturing facility with capabilities across raw, freeze dried, air dried and smoked production.
About NEXT Lab
The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab – in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, and The University of Texas at Austin – has set out to design, license and commission a molten salt research reactor to be hosted on ACU’s campus. The mission of ACU’s NEXT Lab is to provide global solutions to the world’s need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of molten salt reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering.
About Hendrick Health
Hendrick Health began caring for the Abilene and Texas Midwest in 1924 and now serves a 24-county region, equivalent to nine percent of the land mass of Texas. Plans for the 153,000-square-foot Hendrick Service Center include approximately 400 employees in the following services and departments: Billing/Business Services, Medical Records/Release Information and Health Information Management, Hendrick Clinic Access Center, including physician scheduling and insurance verification, Supply Chain, Print Shop, Warehouse/Distribution Center, Human Resources, Professional Education and Development, and IT Business Applications.
About the Development Corporation of Abilene
As the economic driver of Abilene, the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) is committed to recruiting and retaining companies for Abilene. The DCOA provides incentives and assistance to Abilene businesses to build and strengthen the local economy – ensuring the viability of the community for years to come. Learn more about the DCOA online at: www.abilenedcoa.com.
About DevelopAbilene
DevelopAbilene is a unified brand for the Development Corporation of Abilene’s (DCOA) partner organizations that work together to bring business to Abilene. DevelopAbilene is led by the DCOA, empowering partner organizations to implement key strategies to create primary jobs and prosperity in Abilene. The DevelopAbilene Team consists of the Abilene Industrial Foundation, Abilene Regional Airport, Military Affairs Committee, and the Texas Tech Small Business Development Center.
About Abilene
Abilene, Texas is centrally located in the state, directly on I-20 just a two and half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth metro. The city has a population of 121,512 people, and has a labor shed of over 140,000.
Media Contact:
Meaghan Klitch
512-971-0508
meaghan@spaethcom.com
Julie Johncox
325-225-3278
julie.johncox@abilenedcoa.com
