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| Ironwood Farms, LLC Announces New Facility in Chesterfield County |
| June 1, 2010 |
| $1.125 million investment expected to generate significant new job opportunities The Chesterfield County Economic Development Board today announced that Ironwood Farms, LLC will locate production facility in Chesterfield County. The $1.125 million investment by Ironwood Farms will create 11 new jobs initially and is expected to generate a significant number of additional spin offs and new positions over the next few years. "This new location will allow us to turn the Jefferson, SC site in Chesterfield County into an ‘earth friendly’ manufacturing and production facility for worm castings, soil amendments, and other natural and organic lawn and garden products. This facility will continue the expansion and practice of manufacturing 100% organic soil amendments and organic soil fertility products." said Ron Danise, President of Ironwood Farms. With the transition to the Jefferson, SC location, the venture plans to ramp up production and sales in 2010. The move is responding to a burgeoning organic niche sector of the lawn & garden market that reached $460 million in retail sales in 2008. "Long term potential is indeed significant as all indicators point to significant growth of ‘green’ and sustainable industries." said Mr. Danise. "Chesterfield County provides an excellent business environment and the Jefferson site will enable Ironwood Farms to ramp up to capitalize on this burgeoning ‘green’ market." Ironwood Farms will house an on-site laboratory for research and testing of biological and microbial activity counts in its vermin-culture products and by-products with a goal to continuously find alternative fuel sources and better waste management techniques. Other business will follow Ironwood Farms, including printing, packaging, shipping as well production of locally produced grain, millet, etc., creating new investment and jobs. Ironwood will partner with Northeastern Technical College’s Pageland Campus and Ready SC to jointly create and adopt a specialized curriculum and training program in conjunction with Mr. Danise who is a certified Arborist and trainer. "The location of Ironwood Farms in Chesterfield County at the Jefferson facility will establish us as a base with new jobs, new mindsets and research based on green and sustainable technology." said Representative Ted Vick who first connected with Mr. Danise to bring Ironwood here. "Economic development is very important to Chesterfield County and we welcome Ironwood Farms to Jefferson." said Al Johnson, Chesterfield County Councilman representing the district. The decision by Ironwood Farms provides Chesterfield County and Jefferson with the opportunity to work with Ironwood Farms, Northeastern Technical College, ReadySC and other partners to develop and grow a green and sustainable technology center." said Brenda Workman, Executive Director of Chesterfield County Economic Development Board. "The on-site R&D is an added bonus. I like Mr. Danise’s vision – 'Sustainability begins with profitability.' The location of Ironwood underwrites Chesterfield County Council and legislative delegation direction in creating jobs and moving Chesterfield County forward." said Workman. About Ironwood Farms, LLC Ironwood Farms, LLC develops, blends, produces, warehouses, distributes and sells environmentally safe, all natural organic soil amendments, fertilizers, and related products for use in horticultural, tree and agricultural applications. The Founder and President, Ron Danise, is an ISA Certified Arborist who has worked in the field of arboriculture since 1974. He has won numerous awards for his work in 'green' technology and his development of sustainable fertilizers and soil amendments. Mr. Danise has spent over 35 years observing and studying the working eco-systems found in nature and developing methods for producing products of unmatched quality and effectiveness. Highlights include an impressive client list using Ironwood applications in agriculture, horticulture, landscape, residential rooftop gardens, golf courses, and athletic fields of notable colleges and universities. 'Sustainability begins with profitability.' – Ron Danise Brenda Workman, Executive Director Chesterfield County Economic Development Board bworkmand@shtc.net 843-623-6500 Ron Danise, President Ironwood Farms, LLC Ironwoodfarms@live.com |
