Canadian water company adding first U.S. facility in Virginia

A Canadian producer of spring water plans to make a splash in Augusta County.

Ontario-based Flow Alkaline Spring Water said it plans to open its first U.S. spring water plant in Verona this summer. The company will invest $15.5 million in the project, which will create 51 jobs.

The 52,000-square-foot facility will be located at 33 Lakeview Court. According to Flow Alkaline Spring Water, most of the positions will be in the skilled trades.

“Flow was drawn to the incredible and abundant mineral spring water that the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia has to offer,” a company spokesperson said in an email. “Moreover, the production location is strategically positioned along the I-81 corridor, within a day’s drive of major markets and distribution centers.”

Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The company also is eligible to receive an estimated $636,000 sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment it purchases. Additionally, it may be eligible for an up to $76,000 grant from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, which is based on the number of jobs the company creates. Flow also may be eligible for the Virginia Port Tax Credits Program.

The Commonwealth competed against New Hampshire and Wisconsin for the project.