Rail-serviced facility in Union County, Pennsylvania, will support pig farms in the region
Pennsylvania-based pig producer Country View Family Farms will build a new feed mill in Union County, Pennsylvania, according to reports.
The company is investing US$47.3 million over the next three years to build the mill, which will be serviced by a rail line. The mill will be located on a 100-acre space, some of which will continue to be farmed as it is now. The company is expected to break ground in 2023, and the project will create more than 50 jobs.
“Pennsylvania successfully competed against other states for this expansion – a project that will have a big impact on the regional and state economy,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf in a statement. “It’s a testament to the welcoming, positive business environment we have here in the commonwealth, especially for agribusinesses, that we were able to win this project.”
The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a US$255,000 Pennsylvania First grant and was encouraged to apply for the department’s Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) program, as well as PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
“I’m glad DCED could help see this project to fruition, and keep it at home here in Pennsylvania,” said DCED Acting Secretary Neil Weaver. “Agriculture is a huge economic driver in this area, and this project will help to bolster the region’s economic growth.”
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), 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. State Department of Agriculture staff, including Secretary Russell Redding, helped coordinate this project.
“Country View Farms has been a valuable partner in promoting farm biosecurity and innovation, and providing jobs and opportunity for the region,” Redding said. “We are pleased that Pennsylvania is supporting the company as they increase their capacity to supply nutritious, locally produced foods that in turn feed our economy.”
Regional economic development organizations Drive and Focus Central PA were also involved in the project, working with local authorities and helping with site selection.
Based out of Middletown, Pennsylvania, Country View Family Farms is a hog procurement and production company, managing more than 100 family farms that are raising hogs under contract. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Clemens Family Corp. in Hatfield, Montgomery County.
