US (SC): McCall Farms expanding operations

McCall Farms, the South Carolina-based manufacturers of Margaret Holmes, Glory Foods, Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts and Bruce’s Yams, is expanding its existing Florence County operations with a new, state-of-the-art production facility. The $4 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs in Effingham, S.C. over the next five years.

The new facility, which is expected to open in July 2015, will more than double the company’s overall manufacturing capacity and consolidates all operations for Bruce’s Yams, the nation’s largest supplier of canned yams and sweet potatoes. Significantly, 2015 marks the first year that South Carolina farms will grow sweet potatoes for commercial packaging and consumption on the national marketplace. While one-third of the sweet potatoes produced by Bruce’s Yams will still come from farms in neighboring North Carolina, the majority will now be raised in the Palmetto State, where they are canned.

Additionally, this new facility will allow McCall to increase its retail canning capacity by 100 percent, its foodservice canning capacity by 300 percent and its water, boiler and packaging capacity by 200 percent. The expansion will also increase the company’s water treatment facility capacity by 200 percent.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $400,000 Set Aside grant to Florence County to assist with the costs of real property improvements related to the project.

For more information on McCall Farms, visit www.margaretholmes.com.