Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Gov. Michel Pence, Munster Town President Joseph Simonetto, Donna VanEekeren, Land O’Frost chairwoman and David VanEekeren, president and CEO in addition to nearly 200 local officials and Land O’Frost employees. Land O' Frost plans to move its headquarters employees into the new building in the fall of 2014.
“We are creating a space that encourages collaboration, supports research and development and will help us attract and retain the best talent in our industry,” VanEekeren said. “We are confident this new facility will serve as a platform for sustained growth and help us continue to provide innovative meat products to the marketplace for years to come.”
The new 27,000-sq.-ft. facility also will feature a fully operational and independent pilot plant and test kitchen to assist the company in product development and innovation. In keeping with the company's sustainability initiatives, the facility's design will position the structure to achieve LEED certification in the future, according to the company. Additional 'green' features include a roof to help conserve energy and control temperature; natural lighting in all working spaces; and strategic landscaping to minimize water run-off and maximize of natural filtration.
Land O’Frost is the second-largest US producer of pre-sliced, pre-packaged lunchmeats and specialty sausage products. The company employs more than 1,100 employees at is four production plants in Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Nebraska.
