April 18/Mount Crawford, Va./Press Release -- Virginia governor Bob McDonnell announced The WhiteWave Foods Company will invest $69.8 million to expand its operation in the town of Mount Crawford in Rockingham County. The plant currently manufactures Silk, Horizon Organic, International Delight and LAND O LAKES products. Virginia successfully competed against Texas for the project, which will create 36 new jobs.

Speaking about the announcement, Gov. McDonnell said, “The Mount Crawford plant has been in operation for 25 years, and more than $190 million has been invested in property and equipment since the year 2000. This expansion represents another significant investment to add a new warehouse facility and machinery to expand production and meet increased market demands. WhiteWave Foods Company is a vital part of the Rockingham County business community, and this tremendous project ensures continued growth and the potential for additional expansion projects at the facility due to increased capacity.”

“WhiteWave Foods is thriving in Rockingham County, and remains a major employer,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company continues to choose to invest in Virginia due to the skilled labor pool, the proximity to the East Coast population base, and the available property that enables expansions. We welcome the addition of 36 new jobs to the employee base of more than 400 at the Mount Crawford plant.”