Nestle’s building plan bodes well for local contractors. In a statement released Tuesday, Nestle stated that local contractors will be utilized whenever possible in the construction process of the new facility. Groundbreaking is expected in August with an anticipated opening in the spring of 2008.

“This is a major facility, and a major investment in Indiana, not just for Anderson alone. We have already discussed expansion plans if the line is successful,” said Michael Widing, director of building and planning for Anderson’s Department of Municipal Development.

The Stellar Group, based in Jacksonville, Fla., has been hired as the general contractor for the $359 million factory and distribution center. The facility will be located near the Flagship Enterprise Center on Anderson’s south side, adjacent to Exit 22 along Interstate 69.

“We are really early in the process of looking for companies to work on the facility, but we welcome local contractors to respond to the request for bids when the appropriate time comes,” said Pam Krebs, manager in the division of brand affairs for Nestle.

There is no guarantee that Stellar Group will hire contractors from Madison County, but that it is accepting local bids is seen as an optimistic foreshadowing of its future involvement in the community.

“We applaud Stellar Group for being willing to give an opportunity for local contractors to be a part of this project,” Widing said.

Local companies must contact Stellar with interest. What follows is a discussion of possible bid packages and an exchange of building plans. It remains to be seen how the Nestle project will be broken up and what jobs will be available for subcontracting. The Stellar Group was not available for comment Thursday.

“Until we see what they’ve done we can’t determine if we will be involved. The sheer size of the building could eliminate a lot of local contractors,” said Bill Fredricks, president of Fredricks Inc.

Fredricks is family-owned, specializing in general contracting, roofing and custom cabinetry. The company has a staff of 50 employees, most of whom live in Madison County.

There are many advantages to using local contractors, such as minimal travel costs for workers and a good knowledge of the area and its resources. Additionally, community relations would flourish with additional opportunities for local businesses.

“Local contractors use local employees. This has a very positive impact on the local economy,” Widing said. “It will be a very big win if some of our local industrial construction companies can get a piece of the pie.”

Brad Bartlett, assistant project manager for the Stellar Group, is accepting contact from local contractors who want to be involved in the Nestle project. Potential contractors may contact him at 2900 Hartley Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257. His phone and fax number is (904) 899-9368 and e-mail is: bbartlett@thestellargroup.com.