Plant expansion is welcomed news

It's hard to overstate the positive impact from today's announcement that Sikeston's Good Humor-Breyers plant here will soon expand. An initial 70 new jobs are planned along with a $17 million plant expansion. Once completed, the plant will employ nearly 1,000 workers in an around-the-

clock operation.

The state of Missouri put the deal over the top when officials agreed to fund a $500,000 wastewaster improvement for the plant. Now Good Humor will start the process of adding production capacity to the plant.

Sikeston's Economic Development Director Ed Dust deserves his share of credit as does the plant manager Kelly Harms. Sikeston's Board of Municipal Utilities has worked closely with the plant to make the expansion possible.

Good Humor has always been a good corporate citizen for our community. Their work force is dedicated and involved in the community. And with the $17 million expansion announcement, obviously the plant is among the most efficient in North America. Our community should be proud that this excellent firm calls Sikeston home.

Community leaders have long awaited today's announcement. It marks a milestone in terms of the quality jobs it will bring and the added payroll that will circulate in our community. And the work force comes not just from Sikeston. Several communities throughout our area are home to Good Humor employees.

Sikeston has sorely needed a shot of good news on the employment front. Today's announcement speaks volumes about the quality of the management and the employees at Good Humor-Breyers and the dedication and hard work provided by a host of officials who made this project a reality.

Our community thanks all of those involved.