Food manufacturing company expanding in Canton

CANTON, Texas (KLTV) - Phoenix Food in an agreement with the Canton Economic Development Corporation will expand its current location. The agreement was approved by the Canton City Council on Tuesday.

Phoenix food has been in business for 15 years making packaged mixes for soups, dinners, dips, and desserts and their success requires expansion beyond the 22,000 square feet in two buildings they occupy.

Julie Seymore, the executive director of the Canton Economic Development Corporation, said she wanted Phoenix Food in Canton “rather than losing them to another city”. Phoenix Food employs 20 full-time employees and 30-50 additional workers during their heavy seasons which lasts for four to six months, which Seymore said is a large number of jobs for her small community.

Phoenix Food’s current address at 1030 Reserve Dr. will add an additional 8,000 square foot warehouse on Industry Dr. beside their current facilities to be leased for ten years. According to the agreement, Phoenix Food will invest $125,000 during the first year of their contract and another $100,000 by the end of year 3, as well as maintain a minimum of 30 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The Canton EDC will reimburse up to $81,000 for capital equipment, racking systems, the finish-out to the new building, and improvements to existing facilities, plus up to $47,000 for the retention and creation of new jobs. Van Zandt County Commissioners also voted to support the expansion project with a $40,000 grant paid through the Canton EDC.

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