Jackson, Mississippi — Blue Ridge Foods, producer of high-quality meat products, is locating a beef warehouse and distribution facility in Greenwood. The project is a $2 million corporate investment and will create 20 jobs.
“Blue Ridge Foods’ investment in its new Greenwood location shows industry leaders around the country and worldwide that our prime location in the Southeast U.S. and integrated transportation network enable companies with shipping needs to maintain their competitive edge in today’s dynamic marketplace,” Governor Phil Bryant said.
Blue Ridge Foods purchased a 31,000-square-foot facility in the Greenwood-Leflore Industrial Park that is currently being retrofitted to meet the company’s needs. Headquartered in South Carolina, Blue Ridge Foods’ Greenwood location will allow the company more efficient access to suppliers located west of the Mississippi River.
“This is an exciting time for Blue Ridge Foods as we expand our processing and distribution operation further west into Mississippi. The support we have received from the Greenwood Leflore Industrial Board, Greenwood City Council, Leflore County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Development Authority has been invaluable in making our expansion a reality. We believe expanding our current distribution business into processing will benefit our customers, employees and shareholders,” said Blue Ridge Foods President Steven Waldrop.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Growth and Prosperity Program, which provides various tax incentives to companies that locate or expand in communities located in GAP-designated counties. The city of Greenwood is providing assistance to extend the sewer line at the company’s new location.
“MDA appreciates Blue Ridge Foods for bringing 20 new career opportunities to the people of Leflore County. This private capital investment coupled with the new positions created will contribute to Greenwood and Leflore County for many years to come,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr. “We salute the partnership of the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation and the city of Greenwood, which played an integral role in bringing Blue Ridge Foods to our great state.”
Blue Ridge Foods expects to begin operations in Greenwood in September.
