American food and beverage company WhiteWave Foods is set to expand its dairy facility in Rockingham County, Virginia, US with an investment of $69.8m, a move which is expected to create 36 new jobs.
The expansion involves addition of a new warehouse facility and machinery, in order to expand production and meet increased demand for the products. Currently, the plant manufactures Silk brand food and beverages, Horizon Organic brand milk, International Delight brand specialty creamers and LAND O LAKES brand butter and products.
Commenting on the announcement Governor McDonnell said the Mount Crawford plant has been in operation for 25 years, and more than $190m has been invested in property and equipment since 2000.
"WhiteWave Foods Company is a vital part of the Rockingham County business community, and this tremendous project ensures continued growth and the potential for additional expansion projects at the facility due to increased capacity," McDonnell added.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng said WhiteWave Foods continues to choose to invest in Virginia due to the skilled labor pool, the proximity to the East Coast population base, and the available property that enables expansions.
"We welcome the addition of 36 new jobs to the employee base of more than 400 at the Mount Crawford plant," Cheng added.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Rockingham County and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to secure the project for Virginia.
Governor McDonnell approved a grant of $800,000 from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.
WhiteWave Foods is a leading consumer packaged food and beverage company that manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells branded plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products throughout North America and Europe. The company's brands in North America include Silk, International Delight, LAND O LAKES and Horizon Organic, while the European brands include Alpro and Provamel.
