RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Crowley Foods, a leading East Coast dairy manufacturer, will expand its manufacturing, production and warehouse facility in the City of Bristol. By way of a $2.7 million investment, the company will create 32 new jobs for Southwest Virginia. In addition, 64 jobs will remain in the City of Bristol thanks to the company’s expansion efforts. Virginia successfully competed with New York for the project.
“Crowley Foods’ growth and success in the food industry will help bring added revenue to the community,” said Governor Warner. “Bristol is an ideal location for Crowley Foods, and the city’s dedicated workforce was a big seller for the company.”
Crowley Foods, LLC, headquartered in Binghamton, N.Y., operates 19 sales divisions and 11 manufacturing facilities, as well as distributes and markets products in more than 24 states east of the Mississippi River. The company’s product categories include fluid milk, cultured dairy, frozen desserts, UHT and specialty dairy products and non-dairy beverages. Crowley Foods manufactures these products under several regional brand names, and provides private label manufacturing for a number of leading grocery chains and distributors. Crowley Foods became part of HP Hood LLC in 2004.
“Our Bristol facility has a dedicated and talented workforce that has demonstrated an ability to grow and change,” said Lisa A. Brown, Vice President of Organization and Planning. “We’re excited about bringing new jobs to Virginia. Bristol offers our company and our people great opportunities for future growth.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Bristol and Virginia’s aCorridor assisted Crowley Foods with its location decision. The city obtained $75,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide support by offering Workforce Services.
The City of Bristol, Va., also invested $25,000 to assist the company with its expansion. “We are always happy to assist local manufacturers when they expand and provide new jobs,” said Mayor Paul Hurley. “Crowley Foods is not only a major employer but also a major user of our utility infrastructure and we anticipate they will experience even further growth.”