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Shawnee Canning Company Expands Its Production Center In Frederick County, Virginia

01/08/2016
Shawnee Canning Company, a family-owned fruit processor, will invest nearly $500,000 to expand its operation in Frederick County, Virginia. The company will rehabilitate its cannery, built in 1947, and double production capacity on-site by adding a new filling line for its fruit products.

The company made a name for itself with its authentic, high-quality canned peaches. The company also has built a reputation as manufacturers of a vast assortment of products, including jams, jellies, marmalades, fruit butters, ciders, salsa, and canned peaches, which it sells under the Shawnee label and private labels for hundreds of businesses nationwide. According to state officials, with this expansion, Shawnee Canning Company will create five new jobs and commit to purchase 80 percent – or over 300,000 pounds – of its fruit from Virginia over the next three years.

Scott Johnson, General Manager of Shawnee Canning Company Inc. said, “Our expansion is an exciting endeavor that will bring new life to our historic business. We owe all of our success to our world class staff and our customers. It has, and will continue to be, an honor to work with great people who share a mutual appreciation for Virginia agriculture.”

The Commonwealth is partnering with Frederick County and Shawnee Canning Company on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Governor McAuliffe approved a $7,500 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project, which Frederick County is matching with local grant funds.

Governor Terry McAuliffe said, “Shawnee Canning Company is a legend in the Virginia fruit processing industry with decades of rich history. Shawnee has thrived over the years due to its strategic location to key markets, a strong and dedicated workforce, and Virginia’s abundant natural resources, including our world-class apples and peaches. Today, Shawnee is poised to write the next chapter of its story in Frederick County and I’m pleased that my administration could partner with the company as it grows. The investments being made by Shawnee will increase production, create jobs, but further highlight the role that agriculture can and will play in building the new Virginia economy.”

“In addition to the new investment and jobs being created, Shawnee’s expansion will have a positive impact on Virginia’s apple industry, which is the fourth largest in the United States,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.

“The company, which itself is family-owned and operated, has demonstrated a strong commitment for sourcing Virginia-grown fruit from local producers to make its world-class products. Shawnee’s expansion will provide new opportunities for the region’s fruit growers and others, thus expanding the economic impact of the company’s investment even further into Virginia,” he said.

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