Franklin County, Virginia – A popular local brand is getting even more growth in Franklin County: Homestead Creamery is investing $2.5 million in renovations and expansion of its dairy production facility. The project includes updating equipment, expanding freezer and storage space, adding a new loading dock and creating two new jobs.
“These are high-paying jobs. They’re not just minimum wage. These are skilled, professional jobs,” said Jesse Novak, Homestead Creamery’s controller, who oversees production, operations and finances.
The company plans to purchase an additional $1.9 million worth of Virginia-made cream over the next three years.
Novak said the company, which started as a small-town family-run business 23 years ago, now stocks stores everywhere from Texas to Florida to Massachusetts.
“We hope this expansion will allow us to reach many grocery stores throughout the Midwest and even further afield,” Novak said.
All milk and ice cream products are manufactured at the Franklin County facility. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Franklin County to secure this expansion project for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Development Facility Grant Program, with Franklin County matching local funds.
Homestead Creamery staff said the improvements will allow them to increase production volume and speed while maintaining quality.
“It’s the same quality that you know and love,” says sales and events manager Amy Rice, “The ingredients in the ice cream remain the same. The ingredients in the milk are the same. So we’re actually increasing the quality and serving the community even better.”
Construction began in November. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, making it an attractive investment for the future.
“I think this is a testament to not only Homestead Creamery, but the future of agriculture in Virginia,” Novak said.
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