Richmond Beverage Solutions plans $45M expansion
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Richmond Beverage Solutions LLC is growing its footprint in Wayne County. The company, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America, plans to invest nearly $45 million to expand its current facility and create 65 jobs by 2027.
The expansion involves the addition of new equipment designed to modernize the manufacturing process at the facility located at 1590 NW 11th Street in Richmond, according to the Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County.
“We’re appreciative of the opportunity to partner with Dairy Farmers of America,” EDC President Valerie Shaffer said in a news release. “The facility has a long history in Richmond, and now a bright future as well. Their expansion further enhances our county’s growing food and beverage manufacturing industry.”
Richmond Beverage Solutions was founded in 1921 as Wayne Dairy. The facility was acquired in 1994 by Ohio-based SmithFoods, which sold it to Dairy Farmers of America in 2022.
The Richmond plant produces a variety of extended shelf-life dairy and non-dairy beverages and shake mixes for retail and food service customers.
The EDC of Wayne County said the expansion will initially create 50 full-time jobs, with the remaining 15 being added by 2027. The new positions will come with an average wage of $24.40 per hour.
“I’m thrilled for Dairy Farmers of America’s continued investment in our community,” Richmond Mayor Ron Oler said. “With their expansion of their facility, it means more opportunities for our residents, a boost to our local economy, and a sign that our city is a great place to do business.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is offering Richmond Beverage Solutions up to $475,000 in conditional tax credits, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs.
The EDC of Wayne County is also offering a $215,000 Economic Development Income Tax Grant, which can be used for building improvements, purchase and installation of new equipment, or employee training.
Richmond Beverage Solutions currently employs 216 workers at the facility, according to the IEDC. The facility is located about 75 miles east of Indianapolis.