VALPARAISO, IND. - A proposal to build a custom meat processing plant by Project Ribeye, located near Hebron, Ind., was approved by the Porter County Board of Commissioners on July 11.

The local officials approved a zoning map amendment necessary to move the proposed facility forward.

In late June, the Porter Country Plans Commission recommended making the zoning change from agriculture to industrial while following restrictions on the project, like limiting its output to food production, processing and sale of agriculture products.

Nelson Schoon, the majority owner of Project Ribeye, spoke at the latest meeting and said he would close on the 20 acres to build the facility on July 12.

Once operational, Schoon said the facility would employ 30-40 people with a starting wage of approximately $25 per hour. Schoon was the only person who spoke in favor of the project during the public comment period of the meeting.

He noted there would be about 100 cattle processed and 20 hogs processed per week at the single-shift operation.

During the meeting, citizens who live near the proposed processing plant raised concerns about traffic and pollution with the possible project. 

Schoon said he planned to limit pick-up times to traditional business hours to address concerns of residents living near the plant.