Construction begins on new Whitewater Processing facility in West Harrison

(WEST HARRISON, Ind.) – Construction is underway on the new Whitewater Processing facility in West Harrison. 

Whitewater Processing is a family-owned company that has been in business since 1932 and specializes in harvesting turkeys. Some may be more familiar with them as Kopp’s Turkeys. 

The 85,000-square-foot facility on Moore Drive in West Harrison is expected to be complete by the end of 2026. 

The $28M investment is expected to add 130 jobs with an average hourly wage of $27.78. 

Additionally, the company plans to incorporate a deli/butcher shop on site to serve area families.

Ryan Kopp is the President of Whitewater Processing and says the company is excited to bring their business home to Dearborn County.   

“The support we have received from local government for our new facility has been exceptional, and we are deeply grateful for the local collaboration that has made this project possible,” Kopp said.  

The company entered into an economic development agreement with the Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission (DCRC) to facilitate the project in March 2025. As part of the agreement, a 10-year phased property tax abatement will help the company offset significant startup costs. 

“This is the type of project that represents everything we’re trying to achieve through our economic development efforts in Dearborn County,” said Dearborn County Board of Commissioners President Jim Thatcher. 

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Whitewater Processing of up to $750,000 in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits. 

These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once investments are made. 

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) aided Whitewater Processing in securing an $8.1 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program in 2024. 

“The expansion of Whitewater Processing, LLC in West Harrison is a significant investment in Indiana’s agricultural economy. The food processing facility supports our farmers, creates local jobs, and strengthens our food supply chain, reinforcing Indiana’s leadership in the poultry industry,” said ISDA Director Don Lamb.

One Dearborn Economic Development added that Whitewater Processing’s decision to locate in West Harrison reflects the area’s strong transportation access, available workforce, and valuable natural resources.