Gehl Foods, LLC Establishing Operations in Colleton County $46 million investment will create 106 new jobs
June 14, 2022
WALTERBORO, S.C. – Gehl Foods, LLC (Gehl Food & Beverage Companies), a leading food and beverage manufacturing company, today announced it has established operations in Colleton County. The company’s $46 million investment is creating 106 new jobs.
“Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast is an ideal fit for further building on our growth in shelf-stable beverages while maximizing our supply chain. We look forward to the many opportunities that will come with the addition of our newest location in Walterboro,” said Craig Lemieux, CEO of Gehl Foods, LLC.
“Agribusiness is a leading industry in South Carolina, and it’s exciting to see Gehl Foods, LLC add their newest operation – Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast – in Colleton County. This $46 million investment and 106 new jobs will make a significant impact in one of our state’s rural communities, and we look forward to the company’s success in the Palmetto State,” said SC Governor Henry McMaster.
Founded in 1896, Gehl Food & Beverage Companies is a market-leading producer of dairy-based and dairy alternative shelf-stable beverages, cheese sauces, soups, broths, teas, wine and spirits and much more.
“South Carolina has a proud tradition in agribusiness, and we welcome Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast to the growing roster of businesses within that sector. We look forward to the great work they will accomplish here for many years to come,” added SC Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey, III.
“Every good job provides a brighter future for a family, and we appreciate Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast’s investment in our community. We are pleased that Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast chose Colleton County, which provides an outstanding distribution location on I-95 with easy access to major seaports and our outstanding workforce,” said Colleton County Council Chairman Steve Murdaugh in thanking the company for their investment.
South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers remarked, “On behalf of our state’s booming agribusiness industry, I’m pleased to welcome Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast to South Carolina. This storied agribusiness company will enhance our reputation as a great place for food manufacturing, along with creating new jobs.”
Located at 181 Crescent Way in Walterboro, the company has opened Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast, its first East Coast operation. The company also has facilities in the Midwest (Gehl Food & Beverage) and the West Coast (California Natural Products).
Operations at the Colleton County facility are online. Individuals interested in joining the Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast team should email hrconnect@gehlfoods.com.
According to Colleton County Economic Alliance Chairman Lee Petrolawicz, “Colleton County has a ready workforce and a great location, halfway between New York and Miami on I-95, so we believe Walterboro will be an outstanding home for this operation, and we are proud that this international food and beverage processing company has chosen to invest in Colleton County.”
“Gehl Food & Beverage Southeast will be a great addition to our diverse manufacturing and processing community, and we welcome them to the Southern Carolina region of South Carolina. We look forward to working with the company and supporting their operations. Congratulations to Colleton County!” said Southern Carolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. For more information, visit www.gehlfoodandbeverage.com.
