Village Farms International, Inc. - the second largest hydroponic grower in North America - is relocating its headquarters to Lake Mary, Fla., with a $140,000 capital investment.
With their back office already located in Metro Orlando, Village Farms will expand their presence and move their headquarters from New Jersey to Florida. They plan to hire up to 21 new positions over the next three years at wages 200% higher than the average wage for Seminole County.
"We are excited about moving our corporate headquarters into the Metro Orlando area. We anticipate a great deal of growth over the next several years and look forward to expanding and becoming an active member in the business community," said Mike DeGiglio, CEO of Village Farms International.
Seminole County, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, State of Florida and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) have all been partners in this project.
"Village Farm's choice to expand its operations in metro Orlando shows that Florida's pro-business focus is reaping great results," said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state's lead economic development organization. "Working with our business, economic development and community partners, we are succeeding in maintaining the atmosphere, talent and resources that can help companies grow and prosper."
"Seminole County is home to several company headquarters and we are thrilled to add Village Farms to that impressive list," said Seminole County Chairman Brenda Carey.
"We are glad Village Farms has found such success in Metro Orlando that they are expanding their existing presence and bringing their corporate headquarters to our region," said Rick Weddle, President and CEO of the Metro Orlando EDC.
Village Farms International, Inc. has received approval from the state of Florida and Seminole County for an incentive package worth approximately $147,000 ($29,400 from Seminole County; $117,600 from the State) from the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund program.
