Barton Co. approves incentives for Red Barn Pet Products

Last Update: 11/02 6:21 pm

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BARTON COUNTY, Kansas – Barton County might be one step closer to drawing a major new employer.

It’s been more than three months since the Great Bend Packing plant closed its doors and in that time community leaders have been working to find a buyer for the plant’s building. Red Barn Pet Products announced in late October it is in negotiations to purchase the building.

“It's a very good fit with us, for us along with the availability of workers, and the work ethic in the Midwest,” said Howard Bloxam, Red Barn co-founder. “We're excited to come to this part of the country.”

To help attract Red Barn to Kansas, the City of Great Bend and Barton County have been crafting a financial incentive package. Monday, the Barton County Commission unanimously approved the incentives despite a few concerns about the project.

“Although I think we should have more information than we have at this point to make a decision of this weight, the reality of the situation is we probably need them more than they need us,” said Commissioner John Edmonds.

The incentive package includes a $22,500 dollar cash incentive and an additional $800 for each full-time employee Red Barn hires within two years – up to a maximum of $175,000.

The money will come from the Economic Development Revolving Fund and will not be awarded until the plant’s sale is final.

The county can also re-coup the money if the new business closes within three years.

The Great Bend City Council is set to vote on a similar financial incentive package for Red Barn at its meeting Monday night.

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