Empire Foods today broke ground at what will be its future home off Highway 561 in Halifax.

“It’s a great day in the history of Halifax County,” board of commissioners Chairman James Pierce said. “We’re here to celebrate the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship with Empire Foods.”

Patrick Woody of the North Carolina Rural Center, told the audience with Empire Foods, which uses an aseptic process to store fruits and vegetables without refrigeration, the center has invested $17.5 million in Halifax County. Its board approved $1 million for an infrastructure grant, he said.

Rick Gilstrap, chair of the county economic development commission, said, “We’re developing a culture of economic development. I’m just thankful they’ve decided to go in this direction. I’m so excited about what we’re doing and the direction we’re going.”

The idea of luring Empire to Halifax County began last February, said Garrett Wycoff of the state Department of Commerce. “There were some challenges with this project. Some other states could have pulled this project away.”

Richard Reich, assistant secretary of agriculture, told the audience, “This is a great example of how local and state agencies are working together toward a common goal.”

Agriculture is the state’s top industry, he explained, representing $74 billion of the state’s economy and the project could help area farmers. “Fruits and vegetables will be needed,” he said. “It’s a big day, a great in Halifax County.”

Greg Hatem speaks today.

Greg Hatem, a Roanoke Rapids native who is chairman of the company, said, “I’m proud to be back home. This is so much bigger than me.”

He acknowledged North Carolina State University for developing the technology. “It’s going to help farmers feed people. A lot of people want this technology in their state. Everyone stepped up and created what needed to be created to be here.”

Michael Drozd at the podium.

Michael Drozd, president and CEO of the company, said he was glad Halifax County will be home to the project. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here,” he said. “We think we are home. It felt like home. This community has so much to offer.”

He said the soil is perfect, it is close to the technical support of universities and there is a labor pool. “Your core strength is your leadership and vision. That’s why we’re here today.”