The E.&J. Gallo Winery will build a new plant in South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster and the state Department of Commerce said Tuesday.
The $423 million production facility and distribution center in Chester County is expected to create 496 new jobs over the next eight years.
In May, the Commerce Department received authorization from the Joint Bond Review Committee and the State Fiscal Accountability Authority for $8 million of bonds to offset costs of off-site mitigation under the state's Economic Development Bond Act.
Additionally, the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits and a $16 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was awarded to Chester County to assist with project costs.
“Gallo’s investment will transform Chester County and contribute greatly to South Carolina’s economic prosperity. Creating a business environment in which world-class brands can grow and thrive is critical to South Carolina’s long-term economic success, especially in our rural communities,” McMaster said.
The facility will let Gallo meet East Coast customer demand as it reduces its overall carbon footprint, officials said. Chester County’s proximity to the Port of Charleston will also aid Gallo’s import and export business.
“South Carolina Ports is thrilled to be an integral part of E.&J. Gallo Winery’s global supply chain,” said SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome. “This family-owned, California-based company has seen sustainable growth with both wine and spirits. Gallo’s $423 million investment to open a wine bottling and distribution plant in Chester County relies on the ability to import through the Port of Charleston. SC Ports’ efficient operations and reliable service meet the needs of this global wine industry leader.”
The facility will provide bottling and canning capacity as well as warehousing and distribution for the company’s portfolio of wine and spirits. Construction is set to begin soon, with the first phase of the project expected to be completed in October 2022. Gallo is working with readySC to prepare for hiring and workforce training needs.
“We could not be more appreciative of the collaboration and support shown by the state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and those in Chester County along with all of the public and private entities who have embraced this project throughout the planning process and have welcomed us to the community,” said Gallo CEO Ernest J. Gallo.
