ISLE OF WIGHT Co., Va. (WAVY) — Darden Hams announced they will invest more than $1 million to build a new 7,200-square-foot facility in Isle of Wight County.
Governor Glenn Youngkin shared news of the expansion on Tuesday. “Virginia’s economy grows stronger when our local businesses expand, invest, and create new opportunities right here at home,” he said about the business announcement.
According to officials, the project includes a new curing and smoking operation, warehouse, and show kitchen, expanding Darden’s production capacity. The family-owned company has committed to purchasing more than 300,000 pounds of Virginia-grown pork.
Governor Youngkin said he approved a $50,000 facility grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Isle of Wight County will match with local funds.
Owner Thomas Darden said the investment will help the company reach new markets and strengthen the local agricultural economy. 10 On Your Side is working to learn about when the groundbreaking of the facility will happen and well as the facility’s opening date.
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