Japan-Based San-J International Invests $38 Million To Expand Its Henrico County, Virginia, Production Plant
02/11/2015
The company was founded by the Sato family as a tamari and miso company in 1804 in Mie, Japan. Current San-J President, Takashi Sato, is an eighth-generation member of the founding family. The company began brewing the first tamari from its Henrico, Virginia facility in 1987, continuing the 200-year tradition of Japanese brewing mastery. The existing Henrico County plant employs 55.
"We have long appreciated the commitment of the Commonwealth and Henrico County to our company's continued prosperity," noted Takashi Sato, President of San-J International, Inc. "Governor McAuliffe's personal visit with our corporate leadership during his recent trade mission to Japan, along with the many years of support from Henrico, assured us that making such a large investment to serve the growing U.S. market from right here was the best choice for us."
As an incentive, Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training and retraining activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Creating advanced manufacturing jobs is critical as we work to build a new Virginia economy, and I am proud that San-J is a part of that effort. With this tremendous investment and expansion, San-J International can meet increasing demand by making more of its product right here in Virginia. I had the honor of meeting with company officials in Tokyo last October, and I am thrilled to celebrate the fruition of this significant win,” Governor Terry McAuliffe said.
“San-J has been a corporate staple on Virginia’s roster of international companies for nearly 30 years and continues to invest in its Henrico County operation,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The Henrico plant was the first Tamari brewing facility built in the U.S., and product demand continues to grow. An expansion of this size ensures the company’s future longevity in the Commonwealth and is a great testament to San-J’s success in our first-class business environment.”
Frank J. Thornton, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, said “Henrico County has been working with the company for a long time on this expansion, and we are pleased that San-J will be providing the world even more high-quality, gluten-free tamari sauce from this expanded facility. Landing new companies is always nice, but having one of our existing companies decide to expand here is especially gratifying.”
Project Announcements
GMAX Industries Plans Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Production Operations
07/14/2025
ORBCOMM Expands Sterling, Virginia, Operations
07/14/2025
Clayton Supply Expands Morristown, Tennessee, Production Operations
07/14/2025
Fine Organic Industries Limited Plans Jonesville, South Carolina, Operations
07/14/2025
Wayne-Sanderson Farms Establishes Danville, Arkansas, Feed Mill Operations
07/11/2025
Spiritus Technologies PBC Plans Santa Fe, New Mexico, Operations
07/10/2025
Most Read
-
20th Annual Area Development Gold and Silver Shovel Awards
Q2 2025
-
In Focus: AI Is Changing Incentives Math
Q2 2025
-
How to Choose the Right Site for Your Factory in 2025’s Volatile Landscape
Q2 2025
-
From Silicon to Server: Mapping the Data Center Supply Chain
Q2 2025
-
Rethinking Life Sciences Site Selection in a Resilient and Dynamic Market
Q2 2025
-
First Person: David Robey, Co-CEO of QTS Data Centers
Q2 2025
-
Manufacturing’s New Risk Game for Site Selection
Q2 2025