6
Tuesday, June 21, 1977
University Daily Kansan
Chicago-based firm to create new jobs in Lawrence area
At least 180 new jobs are expected to be created upon completion of the Quaker Oats Company's new pet food production plant in New York, which will begin accepting applications this fall.
Larry Danielson, public relations manager for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said the community's size, the location and the University were all factors in the company's decision to locate here. Plant construction has already begun.
"A good labor climate, the transportation advantages of being located in the Midwest, and the University being here were all definite factors," Danielson said Monday. "Lawrence is unique because of the University. It provides a double work force. Besides the townpeople, there are a large number of students."
The advantages of locating in Kansas, Danielson said, include the availability of industrial revenue bonds and financing, as well as other government services. It easier to market products nationwide.
"The possibility of doing research with the University was also a consideration," Danielson said.
The Chicago-based firm is now in the process of setting up a temporary office in Lawrence and plans to have it open within 30 days.
Danielson said an office staff will be assembled later.
The majority of the work force will be hired locally, he said, but the plant manager and the director of personnel have already been brought in from Chicago.
The company will hire mostly unskilled workers for the pet food production which is expected to be underway by next February.
"The pet foods will be the dry type and will be grain based," Danielson said. Brand names are Ken! Ration dog food and Puss N' Boots cat food.
"Historically they have been a tremendous asset to the communities where they have located, Danielson said. "They like to put more into the community than they take
Damiensson said the chamber of commercial
buyers was the Quaker Oats
company, built on the plan.
out.
The plant is being built in the Santa Fe Industrial District on North Iowa Street at Packer Road.
Heavy rains over the weekend caused temporary lakes to form in some lower areas such as this back yard in east Lawrence.
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