Peanut sheller announces $17 million renovation Elizabethtown plant

0
756

North Carolina Construction News staff writer

Severn Peanut Company has announced a $17 million plan to upgrade and renovate its facility in Elizabethtown for peanut butter production.

Headquartered in North Carolina for more than 75 years, Severn Peanut, a division of Meherrin Agricultural & Chemical Company, shells and processes peanuts for growers and retailers. The multi-generation, family-owned parent company is vertically integrated with shelling, roasting, and packaging services for its North Carolina-grown peanuts. Severn will upgrade equipment and renovate the Elizabethtown operation to produce bulk peanut butter.

“We are grateful for the continued support we have received from local and state officials who have been integral in moving the project forward,” Meherrin president and CEO Dallas Barnes said in a statement. “We also want to thank Governor Cooper and his office for their leadership and commitment to North Carolina industries like ours.

“We are excited about the opportunities this project will create for our customers as well as current and future team members, here in the state we call home.”

Expected new jobs will have a potential annual payroll impact of more than $1.8 million for the community.

“Providing most of the nation’s in-shell peanuts, North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation for peanut production,” added N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Our agricultural legacy, manufacturing prowess, and innovative industry support help agribusinesses thrive in our state and improve the economic prosperity of rural North Carolina.”

A performance-based grant of $150,000 was awarded by the One North Carolina Fund to help with the company’s expansion. All One NC grants require matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“We welcome Severn Peanut’s expansion in Bladen County,” said N.C. Senator Brent Jackson. “This expansion is the result of the diligent work of our state and local officials and economic development leaders.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Bladen County, Bladen County Economic Development Commission and the Town of Elizabethtown.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.