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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Shamrock Farms Expands In Augusta County, Virginia

03/29/2017
Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family owned-and-operated dairies in the U.S., will invest more than $40 million to expand its operation in Augusta County, Virginia.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding just two years after opening our doors in Virginia,” said Ann Ocana, Chief Marketing Officer of Shamrock Farms. “We’re poised for further growth and product innovation, and are thankful for our employees and the support we’ve received from the community and the Commonwealth.”

As an incentive, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Augusta County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $400,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, administered by VDACS.

The company will also receive a $400,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program, an incentive available to existing companies, to assist the County with the project. Shamrock Farms will also be eligible to receive sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Today’s announcement is the second project for Shamrock Farms in the Commonwealth. In March 2013, Shamrock Farms announced a $50 million investment to establish its milk manufacturing operation in Augusta County, at the time, creating 60 new jobs in the Commonwealth. The facility expansion will more than double production capacity and fund technology that will enable Shamrock Farms to produce new products in response to the growing demand from customers.

The company will also commit to sourcing an additional $24 million in Virginia milk; quadrupling its current purchases of Virginia agricultural products. The expansion will allow Shamrock Farms to meet the growing demand for its brand portfolio nationally. This project will create more than 70 jobs and will more than double Shamrock Farms’ production capacity and workforce.

“The success of our existing businesses is paramount as we continue to diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and Shamrock Farms is a valued employer and corporate partner for our agricultural producers and the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Virginia has established itself as a leader in the food and beverage sector and Shamrock Farms’ rapid growth in just two years in the Shenandoah Valley is a testament to Virginia’s business advantages and dominant standing in this thriving industry. We thank the company for its investment and commitment to Augusta County and the Commonwealth.”

“We congratulate Shamrock Farms on this significant expansion and success in the Commonwealth,” added Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Since 2007, food and beverage companies have announced plans to invest more than $2.25 billion and create 7,500 new jobs in Virginia. This sector continues to gain momentum, and Augusta County offers key assets to facilitate the industry’s growth, Interstates 81 and 64 intersect in the heart of the county, and the region boasts outstanding infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and tremendous agricultural resources.”

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