Court approves tax abatement

Freshpet is on the horizon for Ellis County after the Ellis County Commissioners Court approved a 70-percent tax abatement from the county for the next seven years.

The 24-month project will have boots on the ground at their construction site in August and begin inspections in September. 

Freshpet is an expected $300+million investment for Ennis. 

Marty Nelson, City of Ennis who headed the project, presented the tax abatement proposal to the court. 

The proposal passed with a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Paul Perry, pct. 3 was attending the Republican Party State Convention as the Chair of the Business, Transportation, and Commerce Subcommittee and was not present to vote.

Several years ago, Freshpet was looking at the City of Ennis to build a new factory. However, they decided to expand their Pennsylvania facility as they grew too quickly to have an immediate build in Ennis. 

Ennis kept up the relationship with the company.

Freshpet called seven months ago and expressed, “it’s now time to move forward with the build.”

“Freshpet closed on the land for the build site on June 29. The facility will bring 400 new jobs to Ennis, with an average payroll of $55K a year for employees.” 

Freshpet Senior Representative Will Everett, spoke on behalf of the fastest growing pet food company.

“We are excited to be in Ennis for its diversity and progressive ideals.

“We will be using Texas chicken in our product.” 

With the promise of new jobs, Freshpet paints a positive picture for the future of the economy in Ellis County.

It’s likely Ennis will add more businesses like Freshpet within the coming years as it begins to be a booming town for business and residential areas. 

As for Freshpet it will be, according to Nelson, the “crowning jewel” in the industrial park in Ennis.