Pretzels, Inc., days away from producing first batch at new Plymouth factory

In a few short days, a favorite twisted snack will be coming down the line of a brand new Plymouth plant.

Pretzels, Incorporated, a Bluffton-based snack food maker is expanding to Northern Indiana after a tragic fire destroyed the company's Pennsylvania factory.

Following the blaze, the business owners set an aggressive nine-month deadline, and in November, fast-tracked construction to meet their goal.

Now the company is ready for production. Next week, Pretzels, Inc. will begin test production at its new facility on Commerce Dr. in Plymouth.

Thursday, we got an inside look at the factory before the first batch of pretzels comes hot off the press.

In the fall, when constructions crews occupied the dirt-filled space, it was hard to imagine the finished product.

"Today, we have a building that's almost complete; by two weeks they'll be producing pretzels out of this," said Jerry Chavez, president & CEO, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation.

The 45,000 square foot building has one assembly line, with room for two. Here, the family-owned company's peanut-butter filled pretzels will be twisted into shape.

"We hope to have that first batch out within 10 days after next Tuesday," said Paul Schaum, chief operating officer, Pretzels, Inc.

In full production, Paul Schaum says 103,000 pounds of flour will last only four days.

"From the time we bring flour into the building, through the processing system, it can be on a truck within an hour and a half," said Schaum.

Initially, the plant will create 35 jobs for area residents.

"We hope to bring one of those places that people really want to work at," said Schaum.

"That we can go out there and attract a viable company, a solid company, financially, and one that's willing to invest and pay their employees competitively is very important," said Don Ecker, representative, City Council.

Pretzels, Inc. is also paving the way for growth.

"My hope is that the market is well receiving of their product so we can see more buildings going forward in the future," said Chavez.

Pretzels, Inc. also has space behind the facility for a 90,000 square foot addition in the future, which would employ another 140 people.

"This is the fulfillment of a dream for me," said Shaum. "I really love seeing this place come together and I can't wait to see the first product come off the line."

The building will be completely finished in about three weeks. By that time, pretzels will be hitting the shelves.

When a second assembly line is added within the next 12 to 18 months, 35 more employees will be hired.

Currently, the company employs about 330 people at its Bluffton headquarters. When its Plymouth plant gets to full production with 70 employees, that makes 400 Hoosier jobs.

Shaum says in regard to utilizing the space behind the building for an addition, they do not have a set timeline, but says, he is "hopeful it can be in the not too distant future."