$10.6 million investment expected to create 80 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – McCall Farms Inc., a producer of Southern canned and frozen vegetables, announced today the expansion of its existing operations in Florence County. The $10.6 million investment is expected to generate 80 new jobs over the next three years.
“We are excited to see our company expand again in Florence County. Our business has grown significantly and we have a wider reach than ever. South Carolina has been a great home for our company, providing an excellent business environment and a fantastic workforce. We look forward to continuing to build on our success and appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Marion Swink, president of McCall Farms Inc.
McCall Farms will increase its production capacity in Florence County with more than 50,000 square feet of new space. The new space will allow the company to increase the number of production lines it operates as well as move to a 24-7 production schedule. McCall Farms ships its products to retailers, foodservice and industrial customers throughout the United States.
“South Carolina continues to be the place to do business, and we see that with expansions like this one by McCall Farms in Florence County. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest $10.6 million and create 80 new jobs. Announcements like this one show we are on the right track with our economic development efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $292 million in capital investment and more than 1,393 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“McCall Farms has a long history as part of the Palmetto State’s business community, and this announcement shows that South Carolina continues to provide the resources companies need to prosper. Every one of these jobs will have impact in Florence County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
The expansion is expected to be finished in October. Previously, the company expanded in March 2010 with an addition of a new distribution facility at its Florence County campus.
“Agribusiness continues to be the bright spot in South Carolina’s economy, adding new investments and creating jobs. The McCall Farms announcement is another great example of that,” said South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers. “A family business dating back almost 175 years, McCall Farms illustrates the importance of supporting existing agribusiness expansion in the state. I am proud to work with the Swink family and to help encourage their significant contribution to our state’s economy.”
State Senator Hugh K. Leatherman said, “McCall Farms is a fine example of a local home grown business, adding so much to our community over the past decades of success. They currently employ nearly 850 hard-working individuals and it’s refreshing to know that a majority of their products are still grown right here in South Carolina. I commend McCall Farms and look forward to many more years of growth, as they continue to call Florence County home.”
“This is another testament to our pro-business climate and solid workforce as Florence County continues to thrive and add jobs for our citizens. I commend the Swinks’ and the Florence County Economic Development Partnership for their hard work and dedication,” stated FCEDP Chairman Dr. Charles Gould.
Anyone interested in job opportunities with McCall Farms is asked to contact Carolina Staffing at 843-679-0001.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
McCall Farms has been growing food for more than 170 years. The company farms and cans tomatoes, okra, corn, squash, beans, peas, peaches, peanuts, greens and more. Its products are sold throughout the United States. The produce is grown on McCall's 2,000-acre South Carolina farm; it also contracts with farmers in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas for another 15,000 acres. The company manufactures about 40 different products under the Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods and Peanut Patch brands, as well as private-label and foodservice products. For more information, please visit www.mccallfarms.com.