Gallia County Commissioner Harold Montgomery announced that Tri-State Beef Inc, a subsidiary of Dae Kyung Oil and Transportation Co. Ltd., has chosen Bidwell, Ohoi for its new North American beef slaughter, packaging, and advanced protein processing facility. The $30 million dollar project will create nearly 250 new positions. Company officials said they expect to break ground on the new facility in 2015. 

“This is great news for our community. Tri-State Beef is a quality operation and we are ecstatic they have chosen Bidwell for their new U.S. operation,” said Montgomery. “The establishment of this new facility will have a tremendous positive impact not only in Gallia County, but the entire Southern Ohio region.”

“Bidwell was identified as an ideal location for our new facility, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the community,.” said Chang Yun (C.Y.) Kim, principal and chairman. “We are greatly appreciative of the efforts of Representative Ryan Smith and the other organizations and individuals that worked diligently to make this project a success.”

“Tri-State Beef’s decision to choose Gallia County for its new facility not only brings a high number of good jobs to the community, it demonstrates the strength of Agriculture and Food Processing in the entire region”, said Representative Ryan Smith, “I think most people will be surprised at how large the ripple effect will be from Tri-State Beef locating to our region. The cattle herd will need to grow considerably to satisfy the demand, and that is really exciting for Agriculture in Ohio.”

 “Gallia County has a history which is rich in agriculture, livestock production, and food processing, and we are pleased that Tri-State Beef has chosen the Dan Evans Industrial Park to build their new facility, said Melissa Clark, Gallia County Economic Development Director. “Their decision to locate here reinforces the logistical and workforce advantages of Gallia County.”

"The announcement of the new packing plant facility in Gallia County is tremendous news for Ohio's beef industry,” said Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. “For over 25 years there have been many well-intentioned, but unsuccessful attempts to establish a packing facility in the state. This news is certainly welcome and beneficial to beef producers and all of Ohio." 

“The Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation is pleased to be part of this exciting project with Tri-State Beef. Their commitment to locating in the Dan Evans Industrial Park is the result of a tremendous team effort by many, at both local and State levels. As the CIC continues to fulfill its mission to ‘Promote Industry in Gallia County’, we anticipate continued success and growth within our Industrial Park and beyond,” said Tammi Brabham, President, Gallia County CIC.

The success of securing the project in Gallia County took a collaborative effort of many local, regional and state partners including: Representative Ryan Smith, Gallia County Gallia County Commissioners, Gallia County Cattlemen’s Association, Gallia County Economic Development, Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), JobsOhio, and the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth (APEG). 

“This project was highly competitive and we are very pleased that the company chose Gallia County”, according to John Molinaro, President and CEO of the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth, the JobsOhio partner in the region. “This shows how rural Appalachian Ohio counties can compete successfully with other states and regions to attract jobs and investment when we all work together.” 

Source: Gallia County Economic Development