US meat snacks giant Monogram Food Solutions swells Virginia presence
The company is adding additional product lines to accommodate new and expanding contacts, creating an additional 300 jobs and bringing the company’s workforce in Henry County to around 1,000.
The company has expanded the Martinsville facility multiple times since opening it in 2009.
“When an industry-leader like Monogram Foods expands its operation four times in less than a decade, it is a powerful testament to Henry County’s skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, and infrastructure,” said Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam at the announcement.
“Monogram has quickly become one of the region’s top employers and we are honored that the company has chosen to reinvest here. We congratulate Monogram on its remarkable growth, and are confident the company will continue to succeed in Southern Virginia.”
Grants and incentives
The latest investment will receive incentives from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Northam approved a $350,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project and a $300,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program.
Monogram is also eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit, state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program and a Sales and Use tax exemption on manufacturing equipment. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide services and funding for Monogram’s employee training.
Furthering overal growth
“Since arriving in Virginia, Monogram has been received with open lines of communication and concrete pathways to success," said Karl Schledwitz, Monogram's chairman and CEO.
“This funding for our newest expansion is only the latest instalment in a history of support. The abundant resources and opportunities available in Virginia and, especially in Henry County, continually bolster our business and further overall growth on all fronts.”
Monogram was founded in 2004 after purchasing the King Cotton and Circle B meat brands from Sara Lee Corp.
The company is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and operates facilities in Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Its brands include Wild Bill’s, O’Brien’s, Trail’s Best, Hannah’s, Bull’s and Snapps, as well as licensed brands Bass Pro Shop’s Uncle Buck’s, Johnsonville, Butterball and Team Realtree.
