Rogers Brothers Farm, a crop producer based in Hartsville, South Carolina, will invest $6 million to establish the state’s first commercial peanut plant in Darlington County with plans to generate 30 new jobs.

The firm will buy, store and shell locally grown peanuts for the company's commercial market at its new, 80,000-square-foot facility, located at 2530 Northcutt Road in Hartsville. The raw shelled peanuts will be sold for food processing, wildlife feed and oil crushing.

"We are proud and excited about building South Carolina's first commercial peanut shelling plant. As the peanut industry has grown in the state, we saw a need and opportunity for more peanut infrastructure. Not only will we provide jobs for local citizens, but also an alternative market for South Carolina farmers,” Gill Rogers, Co-owner of Rogers Brothers Farm.

"It's always exciting to see homegrown companies continue to prosper and grow in our state. For forty years the Rogers family has been helping to boost our state's agricultural footprint, and we congratulate them on their $6 million investment and the 30 new jobs they are bringing to Darlington County,” said Governor Nikki Haley The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 rural infrastructure grant for real property improvements related to the project.

"Agribusiness and forestry remain driving forces in South Carolina's economy. Since 2011, the industry has announced $430 million in new investment and 2,800 jobs. Rogers Brothers' contribution to our state's agricultural business climate has been notable, and we look forward to their continued success within our state," Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt added.

"This is another great sign that agriculture is ripe with opportunity and open for business in South Carolina. Rogers Brothers Farm is a shining example of the quality of South Carolina's agribusiness growth. These are South Carolina farmers adding value, to a crop they've grown for years, through further processing. This keeps more of the 'food dollar' in state,” Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers added.