Ankeny City Council Gives Green Light to Purfoods Development Agreement

An Ankeny company was given the go-ahead by the Ankeny City Council last night to proceed with the construction of a new corporate office and fulfillment center.

The council approved a development agreement with Purfoods LLC at Monday night's regular meeting, confirming the company's plans to invest in a new 46,000 square foot facility that will retain 150 jobs and add an additional 50.

"Purfoods' decision is good for our community," said Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort in a release issued Monday night. "The company is making a long-term commitment to Ankeny which will result in more local jobs and new industrial investment in our city."

As part of the development agreement, the city will provide property tax rebates  to Purfoods on the value of the new construction for seven years.

Curtis Brown, director of Ankeny Economic Development, said the decision of the council is an example of the city's commitment to encouraging business growth in Ankeny.

"(It) sends a strong signal to similar companies that Ankeny is a sound place to invest," Brown said.

Purfoods has based its headquarters and fulfillment operations in Ankeny since 2003. The company delivers tens of thousands of fresh meals each week across the United States. Purfoods currently employs about 150 employees in two leased buildings in Ankeny.