Fruit Processor To Expand Operations In Virginia

Andros Foods North America, a subsidiary of France-based Andros Food Products will invest $73 million in the next three years to expand its fruit processing operation in Shenandoah County, VA. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the company will add production and warehouse space and equipment to increase apple processing capacity for pouch products, as well as process additional fruits. This expansion will create 160 new jobs.

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“Since Bowman Apple Products joined Andros Foods in 2011, the facility in Shenandoah County has doubled in size,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Andros continues to invest heavily in the operation, and with this expansion will increase warehouse space and production and add high-technology processing equipment.”

Governor McAuliffe approved a $400,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Shenandoah County with the project, and he also approved a $600,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing companies. The company will also receive a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Andros Foods will also be eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“In addition to the new investment and jobs being created, Andros Foods’ expansion will have a positive impact on Virginia’s apple industry, which is the fourth largest in the U.S.,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “Andros Foods – and Bowman Apple Products before it – has demonstrated a strong commitment for sourcing Virginia-grown fruit to make world-class products. The expansion will provide new opportunities for the region’s apple growers.”

Thierry Jean, CEO of Andros Foods North America said Shenandoah County, was a good fit for the expansion for many reasons, including the availability of fresh fruit.

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“The well-maintained infrastructure (highways and port) in close proximity makes Virginia an attractive choice for current and expanded future operations,” Jean said. “Also, the people in the Shenandoah Valley know food processing and distribution. This makes for an excellent base for attracting associates to work at Andros Foods NA. We are very happy to be doing business in Virginia.”

Click here to read more about the announcement.

Source: Governor Terry McAuliffe news release

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