SC: McCall Farms to Invest $35M, Expand Florence County Ops, Hire 150 | Trade and Industry Development

SC: McCall Farms to Invest $35M, Expand Florence County Ops, Hire 150

Nov 16, 2017

McCall Farms, the South Carolina-based manufacturer of Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts and Bruce's Yams, is investing $35 million to expand its existing Florence County operations. This investment is expected to bring 150 new jobs to Effingham, South Carolina.

Founded by James McCall in 1838, McCall Farms has grown significantly since its inception. Today, as one of America's leading producers of fresh canned vegetables and fruit, the family-owned company grows its products on 2,000 acres of family farmland in Effingham, South Carolina, with an additional 25,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

This past September, as part of their long-term growth initiative, McCall Farms acquired the brands of Sager Creek Vegetable Company from Del Monte. The nationally-distributed retail and foodservice brands include Allens, Veg-all, Popeye, Princella and Freshlike. McCall Farms will also be purchasing machinery and equipment from Sager Creek as part of its plant expansion.

Hiring for the new positions is projected to begin in the third quarter of 2018, and interested applicants should visit www.mccallfarms.com for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $1 million Set Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

Quotes

"Leading brands like Allens fit perfectly with our heritage of making authentic, southern-style vegetables that can be served as a meal, side dish or used as a key cooking ingredient. The opportunity we have to expand the branded products we offer is made possible thanks to our employees. They are truly dedicated and passionate about McCall Farms being known as the preferred supplier for the highest-quality vegetables available in retail and foodservice." -McCall Farms Co-President Woody Swink

"South Carolina has a rich history in agriculture, and our manufacturing industry is one of the fastest growing in the country. To see McCall Farms continue to succeed here sends an important message to the world that companies are finding what they need to grow and thrive right here in South Carolina." -Gov. Henry McMaster

"McCall Farms has been a longtime member of the South Carolina business community, and we congratulate them on this latest expansion. Agribusiness continues to be a powerful driver of our state's economy, and announcements like this one are proof of that." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"This latest expansion by McCall Farms is a wonderful example of how companies continue to flourish in Florence County. McCall Farms is an exceptional company that takes pride in their products and community. We look forward to helping them continue to grow their business." -Florence County Council Chairman Kent Caudle

"Florence County is extraordinarily proud that McCall Farms continues their longstanding history of success by creating 150 new jobs and investing $35 million. We look forward to partnering with McCall Farms for years to come." -Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Frank J. "Buddy" Brand

"We are delighted that McCall Farms continues to grow their company in Florence County.  This expansion, by a hometown company, will provide ample agribusiness opportunities to our local citizens." -S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman

"Agribusiness in South Carolina continues to thrive and expand because of companies like McCall Farms. What began in 1838 as a farm in Effingham has grown to an industry leader on the national agribusiness stage. With this latest expansion, McCall Farms is underscoring its local impact and global competitiveness." -S.C. Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers

Five Fast Facts

  • McCall Farms is expanding its existing Florence County operations.
  • $35 million investment to create 150 new jobs.
  • Headquartered in Effingham, S.C., McCall Farms was established by James McCall in 1838.
  • McCall Farms grows its products on 2,000 acres of family farmland in Effingham, South Carolina, with an additional 25,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

McCall Farms recently acquired retail and foodservice brands from Sager Creek Vegetable Company, a division of Del Monte, Inc., and will be purchasing some of their machinery and equipment. 

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, since 2011, South Carolina has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

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