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McEntire Produce continues growing Richland County operations

$26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs

McEntire Produce, a full-service fresh produce supplier, today announced the continued development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County. The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.

The company will upfit its existing facility located at 2040 American Italian Way in Columbia with automation advancements that will improve production capacity.

  • Operating in Richland County since 1938, McEntire Produce is a family-owned fresh produce processor, repacker and wholesaler.
  • The company also handles the general processing of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and coleslaw mix for numerous fast-food restaurants.
  • Operations will be phased in over five years.
  • Individuals interested in joining the McEntire Produce team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“The McEntire family is pleased to further invest in its Richland County manufacturing facility. The investments placed over the next five years will improve the capacity, enable customer expansion and create more jobs for South Carolinians.”

-McEntire Produce President and CEO Carter McEntire

“We are proud to see a company with such a long-standing history in our state continuing to succeed. After over eighty years of operations in South Carolina, McEntire Produce’s announcement today is further proof that our state has the tools businesses need to find long-term success.”

-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina has a rich history in agribusiness, and thriving companies like McEntire Produce are a huge reason why this industry continues to flourish in our state. Congratulations on this impressive $26.2 million investment in Richland County.”

-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“McEntire Produce’s expansion will create more agribusiness jobs for South Carolinians and more opportunities for South Carolina farmers. I’m glad to see this respected, multi-generational local business solidifying its commitment to our state.”

-South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers

“Richland County is proud to invest in homegrown, family-owned businesses like McEntire Produce. The company’s multi-million dollar expansion will not only expand the county’s workforce with the creation of new jobs, but also afford future growth and strengthen our roots nationally and globally.”

-Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey

FIVE FAST FACTS

  • McEntire Produce will continue development of its state-of-the-art facility in Richland County.
  • The company’s $26.2 million investment will create 40 new jobs.
  • McEntire Produce is a full-service fresh produce supplier.
  • The company is located at 2040 Italian American Way in Columbia, S.C.
  • Individuals interested in joining the McEntire Produce team should visit the company’s careers page.

About S.C. Department of Commerce

As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign direct investment on a per capita basis – recognized by multiple economic development publications for its pro-business climate. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com

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