38 new jobs planned during 120th anniversary
A local manufacturer’s growth and renovation plans that have been baking for a while are ready to unveil.
Richmond Baking Company is adding a second-shift production line to meet increasing demand, creating 38 new full-time jobs. The new workers are expected to join the company’s existing 106 local full-time employees by the end of 2022.
Richmond Baking Company is the oldest family-owned cookie and cracker maker in the country, and is celebrating its 120th year in Richmond. The contract food manufacturer makes cookies, crumbs and breading. It also plans to improve the safety of its flour room and replace a freight elevator at 520 N. Sixth St. this year. The old motors on the elevator cannot be replaced.
In a request for a $24,000 Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) grant, company officials said they would add a shift on their packaged products line. The average wage of the new jobs would be $20.63 per hour, excluding benefits or bonuses.
In addition, new workers would be offered group health insurance (up to 100 percent employee coverage paid, depending on Wellness Program participation, a 401(k) plan with company matching 80 percent of the first 5 percent deferred by employees, dental and vision insurance and other benefits.
Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County’s board and Wayne County commissioners approved the company’s grant request last week. It will offset the estimated $720,000 cost of building improvements, machinery/equipment, special tooling/retooling and new computer/information technology hardware.