Protein-bar maker expands

Forward Foods, which acquired Minden-based Bluegrass Bars last fall, says it plans to expand.

The company, which moved its corporate headquarters from California to Nevada in April, won approval of economic development incentives from the Nevada Commission on Economic Development last week.

Forward Foods plans to add 10 employees over the next year, up from 49, at an average hourly rate of $18.24. It also plans a capital investment of about $1.4 million.

The company says last year's gross sales were nearly $25 million. It plans to grow to $50 million in sales within the next four years, Plant Manager Michael Rexroth told the commission.

Forward Foods makes Detour brand food bars, sold at grocery, drug and health stores in the United States, Canada and Australia. The company plans to add 15 bars in four sizes, says Rexroth, and adds that the product was voted protein bar of the year by several fitness magazines.