Big News for Lexington County: A New Beverage Factory Set to Create Jobs and Boost Local Economy!

Big News for Lexington County: A New Beverage Factory on the Horizon!

Lexington County is buzzing with excitement as Cardiff Products, a Canadian beverage manufacturer, has plans to bring nearly 100 new jobs and invest a whopping $100 million into the area. This news comes as the company gears up to open a new facility at the Saxe Gotha Industrial Park, a prime location that’s already home to some major players like Nephron Pharmaceuticals and an Amazon fulfillment center.

What’s Happening?

On Tuesday evening, the county council voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with Cardiff Products’ proposal. The excitement was palpable, as Beth Carrigg, chairwoman of the council, expressed her enthusiasm about the potential of having the company join the Lexington community. “We are very excited about the potential of this company coming to Lexington County,” she said, highlighting the great opportunities this venture could bring.

But hold your horses! The project still needs one final vote from the county council to get the green light. If all goes according to plan, Cardiff Products will commit to investing at least $99.6 million and creating a minimum of 94 jobs over the next five years. That’s not just an economic boost but a chance for many locals to find quality employment right in their backyard.

What’s in It for the County?

To sweeten the deal, the county is rolling out a few incentives to attract Cardiff Products. These include property tax breaks and an annual tax credit of $500,000 for the next two decades. With these incentives, the county hopes to create a win-win situation, supporting local employment while helping a dynamic new business thrive.

A New Player in the Market

The facility itself will span a substantial 38 acres at Saxe Gotha, which covers a total of 700 acres. This will be at least the second manufacturing plant for Cardiff, which previously focused on dairy products. The company made a splash in 2021 when it pivoted to the booming market of plant-based drinks. Their first U.S. facility opened just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, making this Lexington operation a significant milestone for the brand.

Stew Cardiff, the company president, shared his thoughts at the council meeting, stating, “This new facility represents an important milestone in our growth and reflects our commitment to supporting the communities where we do business.” With that kind of determination, it sounds like they are truly invested in making a positive impact.

The Bigger Picture

Manufacturing plays a vital role in Lexington’s economy, being the third largest industry in the area after healthcare and retail. Currently, this sector employs around 9,000 people. With potential new jobs from Cardiff Products, this number could rise substantially, offering fresh opportunities to the local workforce.

The announcement comes at a time when the community is eager for developments that can drive growth and sustainability. In recent years, many have highlighted the importance of diversifying local industries, and Cardiff’s plant-based beverage manufacturing fits the bill perfectly.

What’s Next?

As we await the council’s final vote, the community remains hopeful that this venture will come to fruition. If approved, the positive ripple effects could be felt far and wide—creating jobs, stimulating the economy, and allowing locals to enjoy a variety of tasty plant-based beverages made right in their own county.

In a world where new developments can seem few and far between, it’s refreshing to see a project with such promise on the horizon. Keep your fingers crossed for Lexington County as it heads towards what could be a transformational moment in its economic story!