USA, FL: Grayton Beer Company to expand in Walton County

Grayton Beer Company, LLC, based in Rosemary Beach, Florida, is preparing for a multi-year expansion in Walton County that will result in 40 news jobs, Area Development Online reported on May, 10.

The firm's capital expenditures for the project will total more than $1.2 mln for production and packaging equipment and enhancements for its new 30,000-square-foot building.

“It has been our goal to expand into our own production and the state of Florida stepped up to help make it a reality,” said Grayton Beer Company President Jamey Price. “We are excited and proud to be adding full-time jobs in South Walton County, especially at a time when unemployment is still so high across the country.”

Before selecting South Walton for its new site, Grayton Beer Company had considered locations in neighboring states, state economic development officials said. However, it was Florida’s support that led to Grayton Beer expanding in Walton. Incentives offered the firm includes a $542,000 award from the Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund Grant Program, which the University of West Florida administers. The company also qualified for a $280,000 Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund during the next five years. A company receives QTI - a tax refund - after meeting job goals and other contractual requirements.

Organizations instrumental in facilitating this expansion were Enterprise Florida Inc., the state’s chief economic development organization, University of West Florida and the Walton County Economic Development Alliance.

15 May, 2013