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Odessa officials and residents are banking on a Utah company making good on its promise to bring more than 3,000 new jobs to the area.
Odessa officials are expressing confidence that all of the ambitious project’s goals will be realized. During a recent announcement that attracted more than 300 people, Manna of Utah unveiled plans to build a manufacturing and research facility on nearly 200 acres of land east of Ritchie Brothers near I-70 and Frontage Road.
Senior project manager David Kram said the company chose Odessa over other sites due in large part to the “natural friendliness” of the people.
Congressman Ike Skelton called the announcement a “magic moment” for Odessa and Lafayette County.
The company plans to build home generators that use magnets to make electricity, produce food products from soybeans and rice, and build portable medical emergency rooms. In addition, a research and testing center is proposed that would employ around 1,200 people and also house a day care center.
State Rep. Mike McGhee said the technology developed at the site would have global implications.
“They’re going to be doing things you never believed could happen on this earth,” said McGhee.
Although plenty of optimism abounds, there are some who point to the fact that Manna — based in Provo — is a fairly new company which got its start just nine months ago. They currently employ 23 people. The company’s stated mission is to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, education and jobs to the underprivileged around the world. The Odessa site would represent the company’s first regional manufacturing complex.
Full story is in the March 3 issue of The Lexington News.
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ID 9937
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Section Headlines
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