March 19, 2013

Shamrock to build new state-of-art milk production plant in Virginia, US

Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family-owned dairies in US, will be constructing a new $50 million dairy production plant in Virginia.

The announcement was made during a ground breaking ceremony in Augusta County, Virginia with the Governor of Virginia, Augusta County Economic Development representatives and Shamrock Farms executives. 

The facility will help Shamrock Farms to provide better dairy products to people across the country.
 

"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 within the third-generation of McClelland family leadership. "The Shamrock Farms brand stands for Real.Fresh.Ideas, which means a commitment to innovation and providing authentic, high-quality dairy products." 

The new facility will increase production capacity in response to rising demand. The new facility will feature the latest in extended shelf life (ESL) technology, which allows milk to stay fresher for a longer period of time. Shamrock Farms was among the first dairies in the US to introduce ESL technology more than a decade ago.

Construction will begin in the coming months, and 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 its milk from Virginia-based farmers, while ensuring that it meets similar high quality standards as the company's farm in Arizona.

In reference to 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. This new dairy manufacturing facility is the perfect fit for a region rich in agricultural history and committed to attracting industry that supports that history. I am confident Shamrock Farms will benefit from the skilled workforce and infrastructure available, while complementing the existing enterprise base, utilising locally produced materials, including locally sourced milk, and helping advance the domestic economy."