March 9, 2011
The International Companies utilizes state incentive to help fund operational expansion, $375,000 capital investment
State training funds helped Fenton-based companies expand operations, create 25 new jobs in Missouri, Gov. Nixon announces
FENTON, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon visited Fenton today to discuss how state training funds have helped a group of family-owned companies expand their operations and create 25 new jobs in Missouri.
The Governor visited the headquarters of The International Companies, a group of eight individual companies owned by Fred E. Brown and his family. The companies specialize in manufacturing a full range of ingredients for animal and poultry feeds, pet foods and a variety of industrial processes. They also distribute ingredients to food manufacturers throughout the United States. Together, the companies employ more than 160 individuals throughout Missouri.
Over the past year, the International Companies have invested $375,000 in expanding their production operations, and, as a result, have hired 25 new employees in Missouri. Gov. Nixon's administration assisted in this expansion by providing $12,000 through the state's Customized Training Program to train employees in a variety of areas, including leadership and workplace skills, time management, and specialized manufacturing skills. As a result of the Customized Training funding, more 90 employees received training.
"Over the past year, The International Companies have expanded their operations and created new jobs for 20 Missourians," Gov. Nixon said. "This expansion by a longstanding Missouri employer is another sign that our economy is heading in the right direction. I am extremely pleased that my administration has been able to help with the expansion of this family-owned operation. By making training opportunities affordable and accessible for employers, we're helping Missouri businesses improve their employees' skills and become more competitive. This program is a win for local businesses, their employees, and our state."
The International Companies has been a fixture in the St. Louis area since 1974, when Fred Brown purchased the business that at that time had just three employees. Today, The International Companies employs 300 workers at 16 locations, with its home office in Fenton. More than half of those employees are located in Missouri.
The company has a client base all over the world, as 30 percent of the products in manufactures are exported overseas.
This expansion is just the latest sign that Missouri's economy is heading in the right direction. In February, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced that the state gained 7,600 jobs in January 2011. Those figures indicate that the state ended calendar year 2010 with a net gain in jobs. After two years of significant job losses, Missouri turned the corner in 2010 and added 1,000 jobs.
The Customized Training Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development (DWD). The program is available to businesses to help train their workers through skill training, which may take place in a classroom setting, at a business location or at one of more than 80 educational institutions across Missouri.
For this project, local Customized Training administrator is the Special School District of St. Louis. The Special School District worked with The International Companies to retain a vendor to provide specific programming for employees.
For more information about training and other services available from the State of Missouri, visit MO.gov.