Hanover’s Perspective
Governor Kaine Announces 85 New Jobs for Hanover County
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announcedthat Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. will invest $40.1 million to open a roastingfacility in the Town of Ashland in Hanover County , creating 85 jobs. The company will roast and package coffee for both retail and food service industries, as well as produce flavored coffee, organic coffee, fair trade coffee, infused coffee and iced and hot tea products. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and North Carolina for the project.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee to Virginia ,” said Governor Kaine. ” Hanover County’s proximity to the company’s current customer base as well as the Commonwealth’s business climate both drove the company’s decision for Virginia . The value of the Port of Virginia in economic development was underscored as Mother Parkers plans to bring the bulk of its green coffee and raw tea through our port.”
Established in 1912 and headquartered in ( Toronto ) Mississauga , Ontario , Canada , privately owned Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee has grown into a leading expert in traditional and specialty coffee, tea and complementary beverage solutions for the retail and food service industries. Mother Parkers’ operations have seen steady expansion over the decades with operations in ( Toronto ) Mississauga , Ontario and Fort Worth , Texas . Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. employs approximately 450 people in its Canadian operations and 150 people in the United States .
“Mother Parkers is thrilled to open a Virginia facility,” said Michael Higgins, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. “In addition to the proximity of the Port of Virginia , the superior workforce in Hanover County and the business-friendly climate prevalent in the Commonwealth sealed the deal.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Hanover County Economic Development, the Town of Ashland and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia . Governor Kaine approved $200,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hanover County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
” Hanover County is proud to be the location of choice for Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, especially following such a thorough and competitive search for a location that would provide the perfect setting for a company of such quality,” said Mr. Aubrey “Bucky” Stanley, Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. “This new investment in our community represents a true partnership between Mother Parkers, the county and the Town of Ashland officials and staff. Both jurisdictions and the company made significant contributions to identify the perfect site, and create a unique, problem-solving team to ensure the perfect environment for this very unique building. Hanover County looks forward to Mother Parkers involvement in our community and more partnership opportunities with the Town of Ashland .”