Great Bend may get dog treat company

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GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) -- City and county leaders have approved agreements that could bring a California-based dog treat company to Great Bend.

Local officials say the Long Beach, Calif.-based Redbarn Pet Products is negotiating to buy the former John Morrell pork packing plant.

Redbarn officials have said they would employ up to 175 people at the plant within two years, offering wages starting at $8.65 an hour.

The company, Barton County Commission and the Great Bend City Council approved the agreements Monday. The city and county will each pay Redbarn $22,500 grants and each entity will offer $800 for each full-time job created, up to 175 jobs.

In return, Redbarn must begin production at the plant within six months, reach full employment within two years and stay in Great Bend at least three years.

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Information from: The Hutchinson News, http://www.hutchnews.com