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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| December 07, 2004 |
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| Ellen Qualls |
Jill Vaughan
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| (804) 786-2211, x2379 |
VEDP
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| www.governor.virginia.gov |
(804) 371-0049
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Sanda M. Pecina
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On behalf of Snack Alliance, Inc.
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(202) 789-2424
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www.snackalliance.com
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| SNACK ALLIANCE INC. BUYS WISE SNACK FOOD PLANT AND SAVES JOBS IN BRISTOL |
| - Governor Warner announces 95 new jobs, 85 saved jobs in Southwest Virginia - |
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RICHMOND
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Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Snack Alliance, Inc., a national snack food manufacturer, has purchased the Wise Snack Food plant in Bristol and plans to expand its production operations through a total investment of $9.8 million. The project will bring 95 new jobs to the Southwest region and save 85 existing jobs at the plant. Virginia competed successfully with South Carolina for the project. The company will begin production at the Bristol facility in December.
“This announcement is another testament to the value of the Southwest region’s pro-business environment and hardworking labor pool,” said Governor Warner. “I am confident this company will be happy it chose Virginia as its business expansion location.”
Snack Alliance, Inc. is one of Western North America’s largest private label snack food manufacturers. The company is located in Hermiston, Oregon.
“After conducting a review of many eastern U.S. locations, we felt that the Commonwealth of Virginia, specifically the City of Bristol, was the optimal location for us,” said Pat Lindenbach, the company’s chairman. “Backed by a dedicated workforce, the city and state have the necessary infrastructure and commitment to allow our business to be competitive on all levels. The Bristol, Virginia, plant will allow our company to more effectively serve eastern North America, as well as give our customers a seamless national program. This will be of great benefit to our U.S. client base.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Bristol to prepare the state’s proposal and negotiate an incentive package to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Warner approved a $225,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to support the City of Bristol with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $350,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Snack Alliance, Inc. also qualifies for the Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will support the project with training through its Workforce Services Program.
“We are delighted that Snack Alliance chose Bristol as its East Coast base of operations," said Paul Hurley, Mayor of the City of Bristol. “Not only is the company saving 85 jobs for our residents, its eventual employment level will exceed Moore’s Snack Foods when the closing was announced. This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when the parties come to the table and work together for the benefit of the community.”
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