Robert Powell, III// August 8, 2013//
North Carolina-based Hampton Farms plans to spend $5.5 million to establish a peanut butter production plant in Southampton County, creating 60 jobs.
Virginia competed against North Carolina for the project.
To secure the project for Virginia. Gov. Bob McDonnell approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund.
The company is eligible for benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
In addition, the company will be eligible for a sales tax exemption on some equipment as a result of legislation passed in 2009 by the General Assembly.
Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
Family owned Hampton Farms, based in Severn, N.C., is the leading roaster of in-shell peanuts in the U.S. It operates four roasting and production facilities.
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