The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) and Market Lubbock, Inc. announced the creation of 580 new jobs and a $9.92 million capital investment at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The additional jobs come as a result of the expansion of one local business and the expansion of another new business to the Lubbock community.
Severn Peanut Company, a division of Meherrin Agriculture, is expanding its operations by opening a new food processing facility in Lubbock, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2016. The expansion will create 80 new jobs, and the company will make an initial $8.75 million capital investment.
“We’re excited to come to western Texas,” Dallas Barnes, president of Severn Peanut Company, said. “Our 70 year heritage is steeped in communities based in the agriculture industry. The values at the core of our company, those of integrity and caring for each other, are shared in farming areas. Lubbock fits that profile perfectly, and we look forward to being a great corporate citizen.”
Severn Peanut Company, who produces great-tasting products including in-shell Virginia and Valencia peanuts, shelled peanuts and tree nut snacks and nut butters, has purchased the spec building located at the Lubbock Rail Port, and once fully operational, the company is anticipated to produce an estimated annual payroll of $2.9 million.
“Our Hampton Farms team has been working with farmers in West Texas for many years now,” Thomas Pasinger, vice president of operations for Severn Peanut Company, said. “The educated workforce and the world class university in town attracted us to Lubbock. Opening this facility allows us to strengthen our local ties and create new opportunities in the community.”
VXI Global Solutions, LLC, a leading provider of business process and information technology outsourcing services to its clients, will add 500 new jobs to their Lubbock location. The company will also be making a $1.17 million capital investment in their Lubbock location.
“We hope that applicants are just as excited as we are about this new expansion, and we want to ensure that this is a very successful launch,” Jesse Benson, Lubbock site director for VXI Global, said. “We will be hiring approximately 500 inbound account associates beginning immediately and welcome all to come in and apply. With growth like this comes great opportunities to advance to position of trainers, operations manager and team leads, so if you are looking for a good job or great career, please join us!”
“On behalf of the board and staff at LEDA and Market Lubbock, we would like to congratulate Severn Peanut Company and VXI Global Solutions on their expansion and continued commitment to growing in Lubbock,” John Osborne, CEO and president of LEDA and Market Lubbock, said. “The jobs created and investment in new capital improvements will have a tremendous impact on the local economy. We are excited to see the continued investment in Lubbock, and we remain fully committed to helping these and other local businesses grow.”
Once fully operational, the total value added impact (change in Lubbock County’s Gross Regional Product) will be $71.2 million (combined) annually for these companies.
(Press release from LEDA)