Efforts to sell Sarah Lee plant in New Hampton suffer a blow

Some disappointing economic news today for New Hampton. Officials with Schwan’s Sales Enterprises announced they are no longer considering the former Sara Lee plant as part of their pending expansion. New Hampton economic development director Herman Meyer says they will continue to work to find a buyer. He says the Iowa Department of Economic Development is working with the city to find prospective buyers.Meyer says even though quite a few businesses have inquired about buying the plant, the facility may be too large for some companies.Sara Lee closed the New Hampton plant earlier this year, laying off over 600 employees.