Acesur, an international olive oil company in operation since 1840, announced it will be opening a new manufacturing site in Suffolk, Virginia. Governor Ralph Northam boasted that the new business is projected to bring $11 million and 29 new jobs to the state.
“Virginia has a strong workforce and a world-class transportation network that allows businesses to easily import and export their products through the Port of Virginia,” the governor said in his official statement. “These and other advantages continue to attract global companies that want to launch in the United States, and I welcome Acesur USA to the Commonwealth.”
Acesur will benefit from a $120,000 grant from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund overseen by the governor. Joseph Fairchild, the vice president of operations and director of purchasing at Acesur USA LLC suggested the deciding factors for the company’s decision included, “market proximity, progressive infrastructure investment, as well as the Port of Virginia’s proximity to the plant.”
Headquartered in Spain, Acesur is a company with vertically integrated holdings and interests up and down the olive oil supply chain. The company manages the production, refining, bottling, marketing and exportation of olive oil in addition to other vegetable oils and condiments. They own several popular food brands including Italica, La Española, Hacienda Guzmán and Villa Blanca.
Acesur first began exporting to the United States in 1975, though the Suffolk facility will be their first permanent holding of its kind in North America.
The new olive oil facility will manage imports from Argentina, Australia and Spain under the banner of Acesur’s US subsidiary. Virginia had been in competition with North Carolina for this plant, but the Old Dominion State ultimately won the day.
Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson said about Acesur and their decision to come to Suffolk, “We are confident that their well-respected international presence will be a complementary blend with our skilled workforce and favorable business environment.”
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