Homestead Creamery expands Franklin County facility with $2.5 million investment
Wirtz, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced earlier this week that Homestead Creamery Inc. will be making a significant investment in their Franklin County production facility. The company plans to spend over $2.5 million to renovate and expand their operations, constructing a new ice cream production room and installing additional production and refrigeration equipment, as well as new freezers. This expansion is in response to the growing customer demand for their premium churned ice cream products. As a result, the company will create two new jobs and purchase an additional $1.9 million of Virginia-produced cream over the next three years.
Supporting Virginia’s Dairy Industry
Governor Youngkin expressed his appreciation for the investment, stating, “On the heels of celebrating Virginia Dairy Month and Virginia Agriculture Week, today’s announcement of Homestead Creamery’s expansion and investment in Franklin County and in Virginia’s dairy industry is another example that Virginia is on the move. I’m grateful to Homestead Creamery for their investment into one of Virginia’s top milk-producing counties and for supporting the growth of Virginia’s dairy industry—the fourth largest commodity in the Commonwealth.”
Matthew Lohr, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, also highlighted the significance of the expansion. “Homestead Creamery was the very first recipient of an AFID Facility Grant in 2012. I am extremely pleased that we could partner with the company again with another AFID Facility Grant to support this expansion project,” he said. “This project builds on the success of a small, Virginia company and positions Homestead for future growth opportunities.”
Homestead Creamery’s Journey and Impact
Founded in 2001 in Burnt Chimney, Franklin County, Homestead Creamery, Inc. uses high-quality A2A2 milk from local dairy farms to produce a variety of premium dairy products, including milk, ice cream, eggnog, and more. The company operates an on-site retail market and deli featuring its dairy products along with Virginia’s Finest and Virginia Grown products. Over the years, Homestead has expanded steadily and now sells its products in approximately 100 stores across Virginia. Their super-premium ice cream is available in twenty-nine flavors across 13 states and Washington D.C.
Community and Government Support
Jesse Novak, Controller of Homestead Creamery, expressed gratitude for the support received, saying, “Gratitude fills our hearts as we extend our sincerest appreciation to the Governor’s Office, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and Franklin County, for their generous support of this project. This grant will fuel our vision for impactful building improvements, empowering us to better serve our customers and community. Together, we’re nurturing growth, innovation, and prosperity. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our future.”
Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chair Ronnie Thompson echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are thrilled to support Homestead Creamery in their expansion efforts here in Franklin County. This investment not only underscores the strength and quality of our local dairy industry but also promises continued economic growth and job creation within our community.”
Delegate Will Davis and Senator William Stanley also commended Homestead Creamery for their dedication and the positive impact of their expansion on the local community and dairy producers.
Grant and Future Prospects
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Franklin County to secure this expansion project. Governor Youngkin approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program, with Franklin County matching the funds. This program supports various agribusinesses and helps bolster the state’s agricultural economy.
Businesses interested in similar opportunities are encouraged to contact their local economic development office or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for more information.
