HARRISBURG, Pa. – Ahold USA announced plans to build a new meat processing facility in Cumberland County, Pa., and has joined an operating agreement with Vantage Foods to operate the plant.

The building site is in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, and the project cost is approximately $63 million. The meat processing and packaging plant will span 162,000 square feet and will be a US Department of Agriculture inspected facility.

Ahold and Vantage Foods received a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, in which Ahold USA will receive a$.1275 million PA First grant to use toward the cost of the project. Vantage Foods was offered and is eligible to apply for $360,000 in job training assistance and up to $1.7 million in tax credits.

"Central Pennsylvania is an ideal location for our newest US facility," Leonal Kilgore, president and chief operating officer, Vantage US said. "The Lower Allen Township community is well-resourced with strategic access to major distribution arteries and a vital local labor force. It is our full intention to earn our place as a good corporate citizen and to generate strong economic spin off for the community and surrounding area."