Shamrock Farms to invest US$59M in dairy facility expansion in Virginia

USA – Shamrock Farms, a leading US dairy company, is investing US$59 million in expanding its milk manufacturing facility in Augusta County, Virginia, in response to increasing national demand for its dairy products.

The expansion will add a new production filling line and cold-storage capacity to the site, boosting the company’s operational footprint by 81,000 square feet. 

The project, slated for completion in 2028, will create 28 new jobs and marks the company’s second major investment in Augusta County, following a US$40 million expansion in 2017.

Shamrock Farms, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest family-owned dairy companies in the US. 

Its products, including a ready-to-drink milk line and Rockin’ Protein shakes, are sold across all 50 states through major retailers like Kroger and Dollar General. 

The company’s Augusta County facility, which opened in 2014, plays a key role in producing extended shelf-life dairy products for the East Coast.

President Devon McClelland emphasized the company’s commitment to growth, stating that this latest expansion is part of its broader strategy to enhance product lines and leverage advanced technology to meet future market demands. 

The company will also purchase an additional 16.5 million pounds of milk from Virginia dairy cooperatives as a result of the expansion, benefiting local farmers and strengthening the state’s dairy supply chain.

Governor Glenn Youngkin hailed Shamrock Farms’ decision to expand in Virginia as a testament to the state’s favorable business environment and thriving agricultural sector. 

He emphasized the positive impact on local economies, particularly in rural areas like Augusta County, where agriculture is a key industry. 

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr echoed these sentiments, noting that the investment not only creates jobs but also reinforces Virginia’s standing as a hub for agricultural and food manufacturing.

The project is supported by state-government grants, including a US$600,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance Grant and a US$300,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund. 

Shamrock Farms will also benefit from employee training programs provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Shamrock Foods Company CEO Kent McClelland praised the support of the Virginia community and the company’s associates, underscoring the long-term commitment to growth and innovation. 

Local leaders, including Augusta County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey A. Slaven, welcomed the expansion as a boost to the region’s economy and dairy industry.

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