California-based Traditional Medicinals will build a $29.7 million East Coast herbal tea manufacturing and distribution facility in 2020.
The 125,000-square-foot expansion, located in Roanoke, Va., will employ 56 generate $62 million in new business and create approximately 181 secondary jobs. The company’s 50 organic tea products are available at 70,000 locations globally and together account for about 5% of the US loose-leaf market with favorites like Throat Coat earning $14 million and Smooth Move Tea earning $15 million at mass-market outlets in 2019.
Traditional Medicinals c.e.o. Blair Kellison said the location embodies the company’s core values. “We’ve worked for decades to ensure that the work we do positively impacts both the environment and the people in the communities where we do business—both on a local level and in the 42 countries where we purchase herbs.”
The company, founded in Sebastapol, Calif., is a Certified B-Corp founded in 1974 headquartered in Rohnert Park, Calif.
The location is near the Port of Virginia, in a region with a large concentration of coffee and tea roasting and blending operations. The company received three-quarters of a million dollars in grants and development support from local and state government.
Local US Rep. Denver Riggleman called the investment “a game changer for Franklin County.” He said the facility will create good jobs and have a “transformative effect” in the community.”