Trim-Rite Could Be First of Several New Businesses To Come To Freeport

Freeport, Illinois- A hog processing plant is the first of several possible new businesses that could be coming to the Mill Race Crossing Development Park located just outside of Freeport. At a Tuesday morning press conference, it was announced that Trim-Rite will be built in the development park located on farmland directly behind the Titan Tire plant, southeast of Freeport. Stephenson County economic development representatives say talks are currently underway with two other major companies, CSI Component Systems and Blackhawk Biofuels, about coming to Mill Race Crossing. Doug Cross, Freeport Area Economic Development Foundation chairman, says there is a real possibility that the two businesses will come to Mill Race Crossing. Cross says, "We are real excited. There`s great demand for biodiesel products and much of the infrastructure biofuels needs Trim-Rite will make. We`re encouraged by that." Bob Skurla, executive director of the economic development foundation, says businesses will be attracted to Mill Race Crossing for several reasons. "It is the compromise of being there out in the country, city utilities, access to rail and roadway, and a very cooperative government working with them," explains Skurla. Freeport officials estimate that building infrastructure for Mill Race Crossing will cost about $7.8 million, and that this sum will be paid for through property taxes from businesses that build there.