Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Grayton Beer Company, Invests $1.2 Million In Expansion At Its Rosemary Beach, Florida, Brewery

05/10/2013
Grayton Beer Company, LLC, based in Rosemary Beach, Florida, is preparing for a multi-year expansion in Walton County that will result in 40 news jobs. The firm's capital expenditures for the project will total more than $1.2 million for production and packaging equipment and enhancements for its new 30,000-square-foot building.

“It has been our goal to expand into our own production and the state of Florida stepped up to help make it a reality,” said Grayton Beer Company President Jamey Price. “We are excited and proud to be adding full-time jobs in South Walton County, especially at a time when unemployment is still so high across the country.”

“Florida was able to provide Grayton Beer with the talent, resources and partnerships to ensure the company’s continuing growth and investment in our state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc. “This is a win for the families and communities that will benefit from the new jobs that are coming with the business expansion.Recruiting and expanding manufacturing operations is vital to our job creation and industry diversification efforts, so Grayton Beer’s growth plan aligns perfectly to our strategy."

Before selecting South Walton for its new site, Grayton Beer Company had considered locations in neighboring states, state economic development officials said. However, it was Florida’s support that led to Grayton Beer expanding in Walton. Incentives offered the firm includes a $542,000 award from the Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund Grant Program, which the University of West Florida administers. The company also qualified for a $280,000 Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund during the next five years. A company receives QTI – a tax refund -- after meeting job goals and other contractual requirements.

Organizations instrumental in facilitating this expansion were Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s chief economic development organization, University of West Florida and the Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

“This is a great example of a project that is mutually beneficial for our community and the company. South Walton presents geographic advantages for this brewery’s manufacturing process company, and Grayton Beer Company will provide new full time, high wage jobs in Walton County that we hope will grow beyond the initial 40,” commented Kenneth Pridgen, chairman of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

Walton Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kellie Jo Kilberg said, “The Walton Area Chamber is thrilled to see one of our local entrepreneur’s companies expand and create new jobs in manufacturing to assist in growing wealth and diversifying our economy.”

“And bravo to Walton County for helping Florida sustain a business climate that is conducive to corporate growth.”

Exclusive Research