$12 million investment expected to create 150 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Sunny Z Foods Inc., a producer of pre-packaged instant meals, will establish its new production facility in Saluda County. The $12 million investment is expected to generate 150 new jobs.
“We are excited to locate our new food production operations in Saluda County. This new facility will allow us to reach markets along the East Coast and throughout the Southeast. South Carolina provides us with an excellent business environment and a talented workforce. We look forward to starting our operations and we appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Vonnie Rochester, president of Sunny Z Foods.
Sunny Z Foods Inc. is a start-up producer of pre-packaged instant meals for the consumer market. The company will establish its new facility in the former Milliken plant located at 782 Columbia Hwy. in Saluda County. The new facility is expected to begin operations by the end of the year.
“Today’s announcement is another big win for one of our state’s rural counties. We celebrate Sunny Z Foods’ decision to invest $12 million and create 150 new jobs. This announcement also shows that South Carolina is on the move and attracting job-creating investments because we understand what businesses need in order to do well,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $8 billion in capital investment and more than 21,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector, and recruited more than $530 million in capital investment and more than 2,200 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“South Carolina is known for being a maker of good quality products used around the globe. Sunny Z Foods’ new production facility builds on that reputation. This new facility will create new jobs and generate investment that will help keep the communities in Saluda County sustainable for years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are extremely happy and excited that Sunny Z has chosen to locate in Saluda County. Sunny Z will provide jobs for our citizens, expand our tax base, and help diversify our economy,” said Don Hancock, chairman of Saluda County Council.
“Sunny Z Food will be a great agribusiness addition to Saluda County and South Carolina. Agribusiness is vital to the state’s economy and any time we land a food production facility, it speaks to the strength of this sector and will no doubt encourage other agriculture related businesses to call South Carolina home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.
The company will announce plans for the hiring process at a later date.