Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family owned and operated dairies in the country, is building a new $50 million dairy manufacturing facility in Virginia. The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony in Augusta County, with the Governor of Virginia, local officials and Shamrock Farms executives.
This national expansion and increased capacity will allow Shamrock Farms to provide more new milk and milk-based products to people across the country.
For the past decade, Shamrock Farms has been developing new products and new categories. Among the key new product introductions are Shamrock Farms On-the-Go mmmmilk and Rockin’ Refuel protein fortified milk beverages used by sports teams in 150 colleges and universities nationwide.
The brand has also expanded its national business in convenience stores, grocery and quick service restaurants such as Subway, Arby’s and Einstein Brothers. Both products will be manufactured at the new facility.
“This is a key milestone in our company’s more than 90-year history and a natural next step as we continue to achieve even further national growth,” said Kent McClelland, who is the third generation of McClelland family leadership.
The facility is expected to open in late 2014. It will be 130,000 square feet initially, with room for expansion. Once completed, the plant will employ up to 60 people.
Shamrock Farms will source milk from Virginia-area farmers and will ensure that it meets the same high quality standards as Shamrock’s farm in Arizona.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “With this project, Virginia adds another major corporation to its roster. We warmly welcome Shamrock Farms to the Commonwealth and Augusta County and appreciate the company’s significant investment and creation of 60 new jobs.”
McClelland added that Shamrock Farms is thrilled to be joining the Augusta County community because it’s a perfect fit from both a business and a company culture perspective.
Shamrock Farms plans to immerse itself in the Augusta County community in the months and years ahead, as it's done in Arizona. To kick off its relationship with the Augusta County community, Shamrock will be donating Rockin’ Refuel to Fort Defiance High School athletic teams. PD
—From Shamrock Farms news release
