$5 million investment expected to create 85 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – McEntire Produce, fresh produce processor, repacker and wholesaler, today announced that it will expand its current operations in Richland County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 85 new jobs.
“It’s exciting for us to be able to increase our footprint in Richland County. The Midlands have been home to the company for more than seven decades and South Carolina has provided us with an excellent business environment. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Carter McEntire, chief operating officer of McEntire Produce Inc.
McEntire Produce has operated in Richland County since 1938. The company will add a state-of-the-art water filtration system as part of its expansion, which is expected to be complete in the first half of 2013.
“While we work hard to bring new companies to the state, it’s always exciting to see one of our existing businesses expand. We celebrate McEntire Produce’s decision to invest $5 million and create 85 new jobs in the Columbia area,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $292 million in capital investment and more than 1,400 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“South Carolina has a long history in agribusiness and it’s one of our key wealth-creating industries. Today’s announcement is another indication that sector is still thriving. We appreciate McEntire Produce’s continued commitment to our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“The expansion of McEntire Produce is great news for South Carolina. The economic impact of agribusiness in the state is far reaching and the creation of these new jobs will extend that reach even further,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.
The company currently employs approximately 400 people at its 163,000-square-foot facility in Columbia, which was built in 2006.
“It is always heartening to see home-grown, family-owned companies continue to expand and prosper in Richland County. We congratulate McEntire Produce for their continued success in our community,” said Kelvin Washington, chairman of Richland County Council.
“McEntire Produce has a long and proud history of operating a successful business in Columbia, South Carolina. We congratulate the McEntire family on this expansion into a new 163,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. Our home grown companies continue to strengthen our regional and state economy by employing thousands of local citizens,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions in 2013. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should contact Thomas Galloway at 803-744-2875.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a set aside grant of $100,000 for a water pretreatment facility.
For more information about McEntire Produce Inc., please visit www.mcentireproduce.com.