US-based roaster of in-shell peanuts Hampton Farms is set to to establish a peanut butter production plant in Southampton County, Virginia with an investment of $5.5m.
The project, which will create 60 new jobs, was announced by Governor Bob McDonnell. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina to secure the project.
Hampton Farms is a leading brand of in-shell peanuts in the country and operates four roasting and production facilities which manufacture peanut snacks.
Hampton Farms president and CEO G. Dallas Barnes said: "We believe the relocation to Southampton/Franklin will be a great fit for Hampton Farms, and affords Hampton the benefit of immediate and long term expansion."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Southampton County, Franklin Southampton Economic Development and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia.
Governor McDonnell approved a $200,000 grant under the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Southampton County with the project.
