Salem, Virginia – The longstanding Layman Distributing, formerly known as Layman Candy Company or Layman Brothers, has been an integral part of the Roanoke Valley community for the past 75 years since its establishment in 1948.
The company’s products have been widely used for fundraising efforts by local school children, such as the 2004 M&M sales initiative that helped a student win the Jabberwok Scholarship Contest sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Society.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, many churches in the area, including the author’s childhood church, held picnics at Lakeside Amusement Park. As families traveled west on Main Street into Salem, the sight of the old Layman building at the corner of East Main and Electric Road (419) generated excitement and anticipation for the fun-filled day ahead.
Recently, Layman Distributing relocated from its former address at 1630 West Main Street in Salem to a new, larger facility at 2147 Apperson Drive. The decision to remain in Salem is a positive development for the local economy, with the company investing $6.8 million into the expansion.
The new facility is twice the size of the previous location, and it is anticipated that 42 new jobs will be created over the next five years. In addition to their signature candy products, Layman Distributing also supplies bread, milk, and groceries to convenience stores across four states.
