Candy company's expansion will create 150 new jobs, $4 million investment in Charlotte County
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Sherwood Brands will expand its candy confection operations in Charlotte County. The company expects to create 150 new jobs over the next two years and expects to invest $4 million in manufacturing equipment for the facility.
"Sherwood Brands will remain competitive by tapping Virginia’s motivated workforce, and cost-effective access to major U.S. and international markets," Governor Gilmore said. "This expansion will create 150 new, quality jobs for Southside Virginia."
Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Sherwood Brands manufactures, markets, and distributes confectionery products. The company’s branded products include Cows®, a line of soft and chewy toffees and dairy butter and cream hard candies; Ruger® wafers, a line of wafer cookies; Elana®, Belgian chocolate bars; and demitasse®, a line of tea biscuits in a variety of flavors. Sherwood also manufactures hard candies, jellybeans and lollipops, and packs gift baskets and gift items.
"We are very pleased to continue our growth and expansion strategy in the Commonwealth of Virginia," President of Sherwood Brands Uziel Frydman said. "Since opening our Chase City facility three years ago, we have seen firsthand the dedicated workforce Virginia has to offer. We thank the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Charlotte County for their efforts and look forward to working with them as we expand our manufacturing capacity."
"Virginia continues to foster a positive business climate for food processing companies such as HP Hood, Hershey Chocolates and Frito-Lay," Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal said. "Sherwood Brands’ decision to locate a second facility here confirms the state’s dedication to this industry."
Governor Gilmore approved a grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund in the amount of $150,000 to assist Charlotte County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia’s Heartland and Charlotte County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
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