COLUMBIA, S.C. – December 11, 2012 – amFOG Farms LLC, a gourmet mushroom producer, today announced plans to relocate its headquarters and construct a state-of-the-art production facility near Hardeeville. The new facility is expected to generate seven new jobs.
“Jasper County provides an excellent location for our operation because of the easy access to I-95, I-16, and I-26 and proximity to our growing markets,” said amFOG General Manager Chris Sywassink. “The company chose the location because of the business climate here in South Carolina. The local, regional and state leaders value the jobs created by small companies like ours, and they are focused on the innovation and application of technology in today’s agribusiness. amFOG is poised for growth, and Jasper County will be a great partner for our company.”
The company will produce gourmet mushrooms, including Oyster, Shiitake and Miatake, in a controlled indoor growing environment utilizing amFOG’s patent and trademark-pending process, which is expected to produce 1,500 pounds of mushrooms per week or 78,000 pounds during the first year of operation in 2013.
“We work hard every day to show businesses that South Carolina is the right place for them to do business. It’s always exciting when a firm chooses to put down roots in one of our state’s rural areas. We greatly appreciate amFOG Farms’ decision to invest $1 million and create new jobs in Hardeeville,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
The company plans to begin construction in the first quarter of 2013 on the new facility on U.S. Highway 17, south of Hardeeville.
“Agribusiness continues to be a wealth creator in South Carolina. At Commerce, we’ve worked for the past year to bring in more agriculture-related projects, and announcements from companies like amFOG Farms show we are helping that sector grow. Every one of these jobs will have an impact in Jasper County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
Since January 2011, South Carolina has recruited more than $439 million in capital investment and more than 2,200 jobs in the agribusiness sector.
“This announcement certainly highlights the continuing diversity of the South Carolina agribusiness community. The state’s agriculture industry is made up of many kinds of growers and producers, and amFOG is another example of the industry’s many facets of potential. I believe we’ll see more ag-related companies like amFOG Farms make South Carolina home,” said South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.
“We are impressed by amFOG’s innovative process and strategy, and we appreciate the jobs they are bringing to our community,” said Marty Sauls, vice chairman of Jasper County Council and a member of the SouthernCarolina Alliance Board of Directors. “Small companies like amFOG Farms are the backbone of this country, and we want to provide the most pro-business home in the Southeast for operations like this.”
According to SouthernCarolina Alliance Project Manager Phil Richardson, “The leaders in Jasper County worked with the company and the S.C. Department of Commerce to create the best possible conditions for this project, and we are proud to be a part of this team. It’s a great example of the diverse and profitable agribusiness growing in South Carolina.”
For employment inquiries or more information on amFOG Farms LLC, please contact Chris Sywassink at chris.sywassink@amfogfarms.com.
