FRANKFORT, KY. – Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Wilde Brands Inc. executives recently announced a $9.78 million distribution facility in the state along with 50 production jobs.

Wilde Brands produces meat snack chips made from all-natural chicken breasts. The company developed a proprietary production process using custom-engineered manufacturing equipment to produce the first mass-market animal protein chips.

“In addition to creating meaningful employment in Central Kentucky, Wilde Brands will help ensure we continue to diversify and innovate within the industry,” Beshear said. “I’d like to thank Jason Wright, Wilde Brands’ CEO, and his team for selecting Kentucky and achieving their timeline, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. I look forward to the growth and success of their Kentucky facility.”

Current flavors for Wilde Brands’ chicken chips include Buffalo, Nashville Hot, Chicken & Waffles, Himalayan Pink Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar and Jalapeño.

The company will operate in an existing 50,000-square-foot facility in Winchester, Ky. Renovations are ongoing, and the plant is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Wright said the new facility will provide an opportunity for additional research and development to expand more of Wilde Brands’ products, starting with a first-to-market pork chip. That new line is scheduled to launch on the company’s website in December and hit store shelves by January 2021.

Wright added that the move to the new location will allow the company to increase production volume, expand US sales and growing customer demand.

According to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA), Wilde was approved for a 10-year incentive agreement under the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The agreement can provide up to $509,000 in tax incentives.

Wilde Brands was founded in Boulder, Colo.