Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced that BrightFarms, Inc., a producer of locally grown leafy greens and herbs, will expand into Pennsylvania by constructing a new hydroponic greenhouse. The project is expected to create more than 50 jobs at the selected Snyder County project site.
“BrightFarms’ expansion into Pennsylvania isn’t just a big deal for the company – it’s a big deal for workers and their families in Snyder County,” Governor Wolf said. “I’m proud to welcome BrightFarms to the commonwealth and I look forward to seeing them grow their crops and their company here in Pennsylvania.”
BrightFarms plans to construct a new, 250,000-square-foot greenhouse operation in Penn Township. The new facility will serve as one of the company’s four primary facilities in the U.S. and will utilize hydroponics to grow its greens and herbs without soil. BrightFarms plans to invest more than $20 million into the project, which is expected to create 54 jobs over the next three years.
“BrightFarms is extremely grateful for the support we have received while searching for our next location in Pennsylvania,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms. “This is an exciting chapter for our company as we push forward with our mission of providing more Americans access to the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown local produce through their supermarkets. Our next step will be recruiting members of the community to fill over 50 ‘green-collar’ jobs at the greenhouse. These employees will receive competitive pay, industry-leading benefits and world-class training from our team members.”
The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $24,300 workforce development grant to help the company train its existing workers. The company was also encouraged to apply for a $2,950,000 low-interest loan through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to assist with land, machinery, and equipment costs. The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
BrightFarms is a producer of leafy greens and herbs. Its produce is grown locally, picked at the height of freshness, and delivered to supermarkets within 24 hours. Each greenhouse uses sustainable farming methods that take advantage of natural sunlight and conserve water. The company uses hydroponic systems with mineral-based nutrient solutions in order to grow its products in a soil-free environment while reducing the overall environmental impact.
For more information about the Governor’s Action Team or DCED, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
