Hubbard Peanut Company expanding in Franklin

Southampton County-based Hubbard Peanut Company Inc. will invest $1.6 million to establish a new production and retail facility in a former grocery store in the city of Franklin, creating 10 new jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

“Our administration is focused on creating jobs and stimulating economic development across the commonwealth, particularly in our agriculture sector, Virginia’s largest private industry,” Northam said in a statement. “We are proud to support quality, family-owned businesses like Hubbard Peanut Company that are growing opportunity and helping to revitalize our rural communities. With this new venture and their commitment to using Virginia-grown peanuts, the company will ensure their success is shared with farmers and producers throughout the region.”

Celebrating its 65th anniversary, the company was founded in 1954 by Dot and HJ Hubbard and is known for its Hubs Virginia Peanuts brand. 

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Franklin city officials and Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. to secure the project. Northam approved a $40,000 grant from the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) fund for the Hubbard Peanut Company expansion, which will also receive matching funds from the city. Hubbard is also eligible to receive state benefits through the Virginia Enterprize Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.