Whitewater Processing Expands with Major Indiana Turkey Plant

Whitewater Processing, one of the nation’s leading turkey producers, has officially broken ground on a new $28.5 million turkey processing facility in West Harrison, Indiana. The project, which represents one of the largest recent agribusiness investments in Dearborn County, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held August 14, brought together company leaders, local officials, and state economic development representatives to celebrate the start of construction on the 85,000-square-foot facility. The new plant will sit on an 86-acre site and is projected to create 130 new jobs, offering an average hourly wage of $27.78, according to One Dearborn, the county’s economic development agency.

“As longtime Indiana residents, we are excited to bring our business home to Dearborn County,” said Ryan Kopp, president of Whitewater Processing. “The support we have received from local government for our new facility has been exceptional, and we are deeply grateful for the local collaboration that has made this project possible.”

A Family-Owned Legacy

Founded in 1932, Whitewater Processing LLC has built a reputation for producing high-quality turkey products, specializing in raw cuts that are later processed into lunch meats, turkey bacon, sausages, and jerky. Currently headquartered in Harrison, Ohio—just across the state line from West Harrison—the company ranks as the 19th largest turkey producer in the U.S., processing roughly 30 million pounds of turkey annually.

The West Harrison expansion will allow the family-owned company to not only strengthen its regional operations but also expand its role in the national poultry supply chain.

Strategic Partnerships and Incentives

The project is backed by a series of state and local partnerships designed to bolster Indiana’s agricultural economy.

Economic Development Agreement

‍In March, the company reached a deal with the Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission (DCRC), which includes a 10-year phased property tax abatement to offset startup costs. DCRC has also committed to road and transportation improvements to enhance traffic safety near the facility.

State Support

‍The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) approved up to $750,000 in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits, performance-based incentives that Whitewater Processing can claim after making capital investments.

Federal Grant Funding

‍With assistance from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), the company secured an $8.1 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program in 2024.

“The expansion of Whitewater Processing LLC in West Harrison is a significant investment in Indiana’s agricultural economy,” said ISDA Director Don Lamb. “The food processing facility supports our farmers, creates local jobs, and strengthens our food supply chain, reinforcing Indiana’s leadership in the poultry industry.”

Community Impact

Local leaders emphasized the importance of the project not only as an economic driver but also as a reinforcement of Dearborn County’s agricultural roots.

Mike Perleberg, executive director of One Dearborn, told WATT Global Media that the project aligns with the region’s focus on growing its food and beverage sector. “We very much consider ourselves a county that has food and beverage projects as a key industry here, and we hope for more food and beverage projects in the future,” Perleberg said.

Beyond job creation, the project is expected to have a ripple effect across Indiana’s agricultural community, benefiting local farmers, suppliers, and trucking companies.

Looking Ahead

Once completed in 2026, the new West Harrison facility will stand as one of the most modern turkey processing plants in the Midwest. Equipped with advanced processing technology, the plant is expected to significantly boost Whitewater Processing’s production capacity while adhering to the highest food safety and sustainability standards.

For Dearborn County, the facility represents a long-term investment in workforce development and regional growth. With wages well above the county average and opportunities for skilled labor, the project could become a cornerstone of the area’s agribusiness economy for decades to come.

Originally reported by Roy Graber in Wattagnet.