Birdsong Corporation, a company that processes peanuts for marketing and distribution, will locate its newest plant facility in Darlington County, South Carolina. The $47.3 million investment is expected to create 55 new jobs over a five-year period.

The firm also operates plants in Georgia, Texas and Virginia, supplying its products both domestically and internationally. The Darlington facility is expected to be operational by September, according to the company.

"I'm happy that Birdsong Peanuts is coming to the Darlington community to build our new facility and we look forward to working with the agribusiness and business community in Darlington County for many years to come. It's been a pleasure to get the project to this point. We're looking forward to the construction phase and getting online by September,” Fred Garner, Birdsong Procurement Manager said.

"Announcing 55 new jobs coming to Darlington County is great news for the state and the local community. We applaud Birdsong Peanuts for their investment of $47.3 million and for the major role they play in the continued growth of our state's agribusiness sector,” said Governor Nikki Haley. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and a $500,000 rural infrastructure fund grant for building and site improvements.

"Birdsong Corporation recognizes the value of South Carolina agribusiness, and I am pleased to see the company increasing its presence here. Peanuts have become a very important crop for our state, and this new facility will add value to this crop for South Carolina farmers and this sector of agribusiness," Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers added.

"More than $47 million and 55 jobs shows a real dedication to our region and it demonstrates that we're not just partnering with the right kind of businesses, but we're moving in the right direction in how we're targeting industries. With our agribusiness initiative and the success we've had with companies such as Birdsong Corporation, it's clear that we're on the right path to making the northeast region of South Carolina even better,” North Eastern Strategic Alliance's Executive Committee Chairman, Senator Yancey McGill said.

"Birdsong brings a long history of success and reputation of excellence to our community. Their investment in capital and job creation in the agri-business field opens doors of opportunity for our farming community,” Frank Willis, Executive Director Darlington County Economic Development Partnership added.