Gorton’s Seafood Chooses Lebanon for New Expansion; Project to Start in March

The Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) and the City of Lebanon are thrilled to announce Gorton’s Seafood, a renowned name in the seafood industry, has selected Lebanon as the site for its new expansion. This decision is poised to bring a substantial economic boost to Lebanon and further solidify the region as a prominent player in the food and agribusiness sector within the state of Indiana.

Gorton’s Seafood’s commitment to Lebanon includes the employment of 163 full-time permanent employees (Gorton’s currently employees over 470 employees in North America) by the end of 2029. The anticipated capital investment in real and personal property is estimated at $89.3 million. The project is estimated to begin in March of this year with the facility opening in late 2025. The location of the new expansion is 419 South Mount Zion Road, Lebanon.

“This year marks 175 years of Gorton’s spreading the goodness of the sea to households across America, so it’s fitting that in 2024 we can share this incredibly exciting news,” said Gorton’s Seafood CEO Kurt Hogan. “Our investment in this new facility in Lebanon, Indiana, will allow us to continue our mission of making quality seafood accessible to everyone. We look forward to a strong partnership with the Lebanon community, as well as the state of Indiana, for many years to come.”

“Indiana has a rich tradition in agribusiness and logistics, making it the ideal environment for food leaders like Gorton’s to locate, innovate and serve customers across the Midwest and around the country,” said Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Our state’s commitment to creating a competitive business climate continues to attract new investment from industry leaders, accelerating economic momentum statewide and creating new job opportunities and community development partnerships that benefit Hoosiers.”

The City of Lebanon anticipates the favorable benefits of Gorton’s Seafood in terms of job creation, increased economic activity, and heightened visibility in the food and agribusiness landscape. This move not only signifies a milestone for Gorton’s Seafood but also reinforces Lebanon’s position as an attractive destination for industry leaders.

Mayor Matt Gentry expressed the positive impact this development will have on the local economy, job market, and the overall community. “Gorton’s Seafood is a classic American brand. Lebanon is proud to welcome Gorton’s to our city. This approval signifies the attractiveness of Lebanon as a business destination and also underlines the strength of Indiana’s place in the food manufacturing and agribusiness sectors,” Mayor Gentry stated.

About Gorton’s Seafood
Gorton’s Seafood, a trusted name since 1849, is committed to delivering high-quality, delicious seafood products. With a history of excellence and a focus on sustainability, Gorton’s Seafood continues to be a leader in the seafood industry. Gorton’s Seafood headquarters is located in Gloucester, Massachusetts and the Lebanon facility will be the third production facility in North America.

About the Boone County Economic Development Corporation
The Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) pursues desirable economic opportunities to support strong communities and enhance the quality of life for all Boone County, Indiana residents. They aim to be a catalyst for smart growth strategies and forge mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations capable of understanding and further enriching the unique assets the residents of Boone County have built. For more information, visit BetterInBoone.org.

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