As recently as 2003, the old plant had declined to the point that only 15 percent of the four-story building was being utilized. Procter & Gamble, the owner of Folger, had shifted production of the retail canning operation to New Orleans the year before and slashed the work force from 225 to 75 employees.
In late 2003, the expansion authority approved issuing up to $32 million in revenue bonds to fund a plan in which the city purchased the building and leased it back to Folger during the 30-year life of the bond. That plan also provided $25 million to purchase new equipment. Folger, in turn, began operating a specialty-coffee operation - small packets for individual coffee makers.
Now, Folger officials have decided to bring back the production of the familiar "red cans," said Keith Duncan, an official with the company. The expanded operation should add 10 employees when it is completed in late 2007 or early 2008. There are currently 118 employees at the plant.
 | The expanded operation of the Folger plant should add 10 employees when completed in late 2007 or early 2008. |
In a turn of fortune, the Kansas City plant won the new production line in competition with the Folger plant in New Orleans, which is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina.
In another matter, the expansion authority board endorsed Chapter 353 property tax abatements for a planned $45.6 million apartment development in the River Market.
The Milepost Square project is being planned by the Morgan Group of Houston. It would be on 7.4 acres formerly occupied by Kansas City Southern on the northwest corner of the River Market overlooking the Missouri River. As part of the plan, the developers want to extend Second and Wyandotte streets to serve the site.
 | Plans to put the downtown Folger Coffee Co. plant back into full production call for the return of the familiar "red cans," said Keith Duncan, an official with the company. |
The company plans 326 upscale units in four-story, wood-frame buildings that would wrap around parking garages. The project is being reviewed by city planners, and more detailed plans are expected to be ready in 30 to 45 days.
The property tax abatement forgives 100 percent of the additional tax value of the project for 10 years and 50 percent for 15 years.
