RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Veggie Patch, an innovative manufacturer of refrigerated vegetarian and soy cuisine, will locate a food processing facility in a shell building in the Greensville County Industrial Park. Through a $4.5 million investment, the company will create 80 new jobs in Southside Virginia with an estimated annual payroll of $2 million. Virginia successfully competed with Connecticut, Maryland, Georgia and Florida for the project.
“I am happy to announce Veggie Patch’s decision to locate in Greensville County,” said Governor Warner. “I am confident that this young, successful company will make great strides in the Commonwealth by taking advantage of the Emporia-Greensville region’s qualified workforce and positive business climate.”
The Veggie Patch brand is manufactured by FoodTech International, Inc. of New Haven, Conn. Founded in 1995, the company is one of the nation's foremost innovators and the fastest growing company in the refrigerated vegetarian and soy foods category. The Veggie Patch line includes veggie burgers, meatballs and assorted veggie nuggets.
“After a careful evaluation of different states on the East Coast, we found Southern Virginia to have all the right ingredients to run a successful business,” said FoodTech International President Eli Soglowek. “Southern Virginia provides ample availability of qualified labor. I believe that any manufacturing-based business considering expansion should seriously consider Virginia and Greensville County. We found both Greensville County and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to be great assets in finding the right solutions in a timely manner. We are looking for a prosperous relationship with the community.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Greensville County, and the Emporia Greensville Industrial Development Corporation assisted FoodTech International, Inc. with its decision. Governor Warner’s Virginia Israel Advisory Board worked closely with the company’s president, an Israel native, to close the deal. The Governor approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Greensville County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $300,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Infrastructure improvements will be made with the aid of a Community Development Block Grant, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will support the project by providing workforce training services.
“Greensville County is fortunate to have Veggie Patch as a part of our local economy,” said Peggy R. Wiley, Greensville County Board of Supervisors chairwoman. “The company brings many jobs to an area of Southside Virginia that has a high unemployment rate. In addition, Veggie Patch will further diversify our economy, making it stronger. We look forward to being a part of the company’s future and we are anxious to demonstrate to them that they have made the best decision on location.” Mrs. Wiley also thanked Governor Warner and the Tobacco Commission, adding, “Without their assistance, the location of Veggie Patch to Greensville County would not have been possible.”
For further information on Veggie Patch products, consumers may contact the company toll free at 1-888-My-Veggies or visit its Web site at www.veggiepatch.com.