Weaver Popcorn to move HQ to Whitestown and add production line

Weaver Popcorn Co. plans to move its corporate headquarters from Noblesville to Whitestown and add a production facility with 40 new jobs.

The 86-year-old company, which supplies 30 percent of the world's popcorn, according to a news release, plans to lease 240,000 square feet in a building at Duke's Anson development at I-65 in Whitestown. The company plans to make $18 million in improvements to the facility, according to documents filed with the town, including $15 million in manufacturing equipment.

Weaver will move 50 employees from its corporate headquarters in the Noblesville Corporate Campus near I-69 Exit 210, with an average salary of $70,000, according to the news release, and hire 40 manufacturing workers, with an average salary of $45,760.

The Boone County Economic Development Corp. is recommending Whitestown and Boone County approve a 10-year property tax abatement valued at $1,251,285, according to documents, a savings of half of what it would pay without the abatement.

Bryan Brackemyre, executive director of the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, said in an interview Wednesday that Anson hasn't been developed as quickly as once envisioned, but he said the project has gained strong momentum lately. GNC recently announced in November it would lease 342,840 square feet there.

"We're definitely excited and hopefully this will keep the momentum going," Brackemyre said.

The Town Council will meet at 9 a.m. Feb. 18 to consider the deal, and the Boone County Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. later that same day to vote on it. The Weaver Popcorn move already has gained public support from both governmental agencies.

"The attraction of a corporate headquarters is a top economic development priority for Whitestown," said Whitestown Town Council President Eric Miller, in a prepared statement. "We are pleased Weaver Popcorn is confident Whitestown will be the location that will ensure their long-term growth and success."

Boone County Commissioner Jeff Wolfe said it's exciting Weaver Popcorn has chosen to expand in the county.

"The company is a great fit with the strong agricultural roots of the area and this company will have a very positive effect on our local economy," he said in a prepared statement.

Weaver Popcorn's main production facility is in Van Buren, a community along I-69 in Central Indiana. Weaver has 378 positions in all, most of which are in Indiana.

Call Star reporter Chris Sikich (317) 444-6036. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ChrisSikich.