McCall Farms expanding Florence County operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. – McCall Farms, the South Carolina-based manufacturers of Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts and Bruce’s Yams, is expanding its existing Florence County operations with a new, state-of-the-art production facility. The $4 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs in Effingham, S.C. over the next five years.

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, S.C., with an additional 18,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The new facility, which is expected to open in July 2015, will more than double the company’s overall manufacturing capacity and consolidates all operations for Bruce’s Yams, the nation’s largest supplier of canned yams and sweet potatoes. Significantly, 2015 marks the first year that South Carolina farms will grow sweet potatoes for commercial packaging and consumption on the national marketplace. While one-third of the sweet potatoes produced by Bruce’s Yams will still come from farms in neighboring North Carolina, the majority will now be raised in the Palmetto State, where they are canned.

Additionally, this new facility will allow McCall to increase its retail canning capacity by 100 percent, its foodservice canning capacity by 300 percent and its water, boiler and packaging capacity by 200 percent. The expansion will also increase the company’s water treatment facility capacity by 200 percent.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $400,000 Set Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of real property improvements related to the project. For more information on McCall Farms, visit www.margaretholmes.com.

QUOTES

“As we continue to grow and improve our manufacturing capabilities at McCall Farms, our relationships with local farmers are as important as ever. For more than 177 years, we’ve partnered with farmers across the Southeast with the goal of delivering the freshest, highest-quality foods to our customers. With this expansion, we look forward to continuing these vital partnerships, as well as increasing our farming network to include additional farms throughout South Carolina.” –McCall Farms Marketing Director Annie Ham

“McCall Farms is the perfect example of one of South Carolina’s homegrown companies that continues to find success here, and we couldn’t be more proud that they have once again decided to expand operations in our state. This $4 million investment is a win for the company, Florence County and our entire state, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow here for many years to come.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“McCall Farms is not only a leader in South Carolina’s agricultural community, but they’re also a respected name in our business community as a whole. I’m pleased to offer my congratulations on yet another expansion and look forward to McCall’s continued success in the Palmetto State.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“I commend McCall Farms on their upcoming expansion and their continued interest and dedication to growing South Carolina’s agricultural economy. As we continue to build upon South Carolina’s No. 1 industry, agribusiness, it is value-added opportunities like these, which give farmers throughout the state additional opportunities for growth and success. McCall Farms continues to be a shining star for what tremendous opportunities exist for South Carolina agriculture, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.” –Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“We are so pleased that McCall Farms is again expanding their operation in Florence County. Their continued growth and prosperity is a wonderful example of the great things happening in South Carolina agribusiness.” –S.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Hugh K. Leatherman

“Congratulations to McCall Farms for their continued growth and expansion in Florence County. We celebrate their commitment to South Carolina farmers and the delivery of the freshest local foods to their customers.” –Florence County Council Chairman Roger Poston

“McCall Farms is a fine example of the good corporate citizen. We congratulate them on their expansion and the decision to continue growing their business at home in Florence County.” –Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Buddy Brand

FIVE FAST FACTS

• McCall Farms is expanding its existing Florence County operations.
• $4 million investment creating 25 new jobs.
• Headquartered in Effingham, S.C., McCall Farms was established by James McCall in 1838.
• The new facility will more than double the company’s overall manufacturing capacity and consolidates all operations for Bruce’s Yams.
• McCall Farms grows its products on 2,000 acres of family farmland in Effingham, S.C., with an additional 18,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

About McCall Farms
One of America’s leading producers of farm fresh canned vegetables and fruit, McCall Farms has been cultivating food for more than 177 years. The family-owned and operated company produces a wide variety of Southern-style products under the Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts and Bruce’s Yams, as well as private-label and foodservice products, all of which are sold nationwide. Based in Effingham, South Carolina, McCall Farms products are grown on 2,000 acres of family farmland with an additional 18,000 acres contracted throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. For more information, visit www.margaretholmes.com or call (843) 662-2223.