Greenhouse operation to create 205 jobs in Pulaski County

Published March 15, 2013 by Robert Powell, III

Red Sun Farms, a Mexico-based producer of hydroponic vegetables, plans to invest $30 million in its first U.S. high-technology greenhouse operation in Pulaski County, a move expected to created 205 jobs within five years.

Red Sun Farms will build climate-controlled greenhouses on 45 acres in the New River Valley Commerce Park in Dublin, where the company will be the first tenant.

Gov. Bob McDonnell described the announcement as a “game-changing project” that had been in the works for a long time. has been in the works for a long time.”

“Red Sun Farms uses extremely high-tech equipment to provide a continuous supply of the best organic greenhouse-produced vegetables, and after much research determined that Pulaski County is the ideal spot for its first U.S. production center,” he said in a statement.

Based in Michoacán, Mexico, Red Sun Farms (Agricola El Rosal) was founded in 2001 as part of a family owned agro-industrial group.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, the NRV Commerce Park Participation Committee of the Virginia’s First Regional Industrial Facility Authority and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project.

Incentives include a $350,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund and $100,000 from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, a grant administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The company also is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.
       
Virginia competed against Tennessee for the project.