USA — Grower-owned American Peanut Growers Group (APGG) is bolstering its share of the American peanut market with a new US$85 million investment in a new shelling plant in Donaldsonville, Georgia.
APGG produces approximately 200,000 tons of peanuts per year and supplies a wide range of customers that include major confectioners, peanut butter manufacturers, and snack-nut roasters.
“We are extremely excited about this project and the opportunities it will provide for economic growth in Southwest Georgia,” said Jeremy Mayes, general manager of American Peanut Growers Ingredients.
“Per capita, peanut consumption has risen to an all-time high for the second year in a row, which presents an ideal situation allowing us to further drive value through the industry’s supply chain.”
The peanut processor also plans to open 135,000 square-foot food processing facility on its 45-acre campus in Seminole County, Ga.
The expansion will include new food processing operations, enabling APGG to manufacture peanut paste, granules, peanut butter, and roasted peanuts for its customers.
The company has also revealed plans to invest in additional shelling equipment as it expands those operations.
Sarah H. Avery, director of the Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville said: “We know this expansion is key for the future growth of APGG. It’s also key for the successful growth of this community and is a large part of our economic future.”
Earlier in March, Coastal Growers LLC , another US farmer-owned cooperative, broke ground on an US$87 million shelling and storage facility on more than 60 acres in the Atmore Industrial Park.
The new facility, encompassing more than 400,000 square feet, will take about a year to build, according to Dothan’s Hollis & Spann Inc., which is leading the construction project.
Governor Ivey who was present during the groundbreaking ceremony said the project is set to create 150 new, well-paying employment opportunities in the Southwestern Alabama community.
“I’m thrilled for the people of Atmore, and the surrounding area, to see this facility is ready to begin taking shape,” Governor Ivey said.
“Our state has a storied tradition of peanut production, which provides an estimated $200 million to our economy.”
Coastal Growers says that the new facility in Atmore will allow farmers to capture more profit from their own crops, giving them more control over their own operations.
It’s expected to become a hub for peanut shelling in the region while also serving as a magnet for other businesses.
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