US-based dairy company HP Hood is set to increase ultra-high temperature production capacity at its facility in Frederick County, Virginia, with an investment of $84.6m, a move which will create 75 new jobs.
According to the Governor Bob McDonnell, the project represents the largest ever investment in Frederick County in the last 30 years.
McDonnell said that the company established its ultra-high temperature processing plant in Frederick County in 2001 and employed 170 people.
"The company has invested and grown jobs over the past 13 years, and this major investment will expand production capacity and, with the addition of 75 new jobs, bring total employment at the facility to 500."
"This expansion further secures the Frederick County operation's standing as the largest plant of its type in the United States," McDonnell added.
Frederick County Board of Supervisors chairman Richard Shickle said: "The fact that the largest plant of its type will be operating in our area is a testament to Frederick County's business environment, our infrastructure capabilities, and the quality and availability of our workforce."
Governor McDonnell approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Frederick County with the project as well as a $1m performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing companies in Virginia.
HP Hood, established in 1846 and headquartered in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, is a leading dairy brand in New England and its brand portfolio includes Hood, Crowley, Simply Smart Milk, Heluva Good!, LACTAID, BAILEYS Coffee Creamers, HERSHEY'S Milk and Milkshakes and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk.
