This story has been updated to include the address of Wyandot Inc. at 135 Wyandot Ave.
Wyandot Snacks announced an expansion in which it plans to invest millions into technology and grow its workforce by about 25%.
The facility plans to create 67 jobs in Marion and retain 269 positions with an investment of $7.7 million for plant modernization, machinery and equipment.
Lori Roberts, senior sale project manager at Wyandot, attributed the expansion to “Marion’s skilled workforce, strong business climate and community support” according to a news release.
“For nearly a hundred years, Wyandot has been deeply rooted in Marion, and we are thrilled to reaffirm our commitment to this community with this investment,” Roberts said in the release.
Mayor Bill Collins praised the company, at 135 Wyandot Ave., for its decision and called the investment “a win” for families in Marion.
He said Monday that discussions about the expansion have been going on for well over a year.
“Back in the beginning, they had talked about maybe going to Texas,” Collins said. “And luckily, they didn’t do that and we were able to convince them that this is the place to stay.”
Collins said Wyandot Snacks has been committed to being part of Marion’s community and provided 5,000 packaged snacks for Marion’s Strongest Town Celebration held Saturday, Aug. 23.
“We’re tickled to death that they’re staying here,” Collins said. “They’ve been here almost 100 years. They they had always been very community oriented.”
Wyandot Popcorn was founded in Marion in 1936 by Hoover and Ava Brown. Later, the couple opened Popped Right, which created puffed snacks, tortilla chips and corn chips. The two companies were later merged to create Wyandot Inc.
Wyandot Inc. is one of Marion County’s top manufacturing employers behind Whirlpool Corp. and Silver Line Windows.
“It tells us that we are doing things right here,” Collins said. “We’re trying to do them right and trying to maintain what we have and attract new business.”
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Wyandot Snacks to invest $7.7 million, add jobs at Marion facility
Reporting by Abby Bammerlin, Marion Star / Marion Star
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