New ownership makes strategic investment following acquisition
Gerber Poultry, LLC, a family-owned poultry producer, has announced plans to expand its Kidron operations. The project, approved for tax credit assistance during today’s Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting today, will add production capacity at the company’s Wayne County processing facility, resulting in the creation of 76 new positions and the retention of 685 existing employees.
In March of 2025 Indiana-based Miller Poultry acquired Gerber, a company with similar values, operational practices and consumer appeal. New ownership now seeks to respond to rising market demand for wholesome, humanely raised, organic and antibiotic free chicken. The proposed project, focused on process efficiency and modernization, will enable the company to increase daily production by 20%.
A project team including Wayne Economic Development Council, ODOD, JobsOhio, and Team NEO worked with company executives to ensure the expansion in Kidron versus further vertical integration and expansion at Miller Poultry’s main processing facility in Indiana.
“We are thrilled with the investment Miller Poultry is making in Wayne County,” said Maribeth Burns, president of the Wayne Economic Development Council. “This significant investment demonstrates confidence in Wayne County and will create new jobs, support local farm families and strengthen one of our region’s key industries for years to come.”
“This project is an example of the strength of our region’s food and beverage industry with more than 22,000 skilled workers and more than 500 food processing companies,” stated Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Matt Dolan. “Alongside Maribeth Burns and her team, ODOD, and JobsOhio, we are pleased to welcome this expansion which reflects the strength of a collaborative business environment.”
About Gerber Poultry, LLC
True to our Mission, The Miller family ownership and leadership team are dedicated people with a long history of raising poultry in an ethical and efficient manner to feed our surrounding communities since 1944. Growth in the Niche broiler chicken market with their humanely raised, antibiotic free and organic, air chilled chicken is what drives this expansion and investment into the Kidron processing facility. Miller Poultry looks forward to growth and involvement in Kidron and surrounding communities.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that retains, expands, and attracts jobs, businesses, and opportunities across Northeast Ohio’s 14-county region. As JobsOhio’s exclusive partner in Northeast Ohio, Team NEO connects businesses to the data, resources, sites, and incentives to win new business investment for Northeast Ohio. The organization also provides insights to build talent pipelines, prepares development-ready sites, and markets the region as a premier business destination. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit northeastohioregion.com.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage.