A processor and convertor of wine and beer waste into fuel-grade ethanol and livestock feed is establishing operations in Marion County. Quality Farms is investing $1.9 million resulting in the creation of 27 new jobs in Mullins, South Carolina.

Founded in 2011 in Dayton, Ohio, Quality Farms was established to provide beer, wine and spirit product destruction and recycling services to the beverage industry. Offering an alternative to landfills that reverses negative revenue, Quality Farms ensures its clients’ compliance while reclaiming more than 90 percent of the unusable total beverage product and minimizing the environmental footprint. To date in 2014, Quality Farms’ existing Ohio operations have processed more than 12.4 million pounds of product, successfully diverting materials initially bound for landfills. The company’s South Carolina operations are expected to yield similar results.

The establishment of a facility in Marion County provides Quality Farms with the opportunity to create a presence in the Southeastern United States. Located at 6424 E. Highway 76 in Mullins, the 294,243 square-foot building will house equipment to break glass, crush aluminum, and bale the packaging materials for shipping or pickup. This process results in a significant reduction of waste currently directed to landfills. While Quality Farms will lease space and operate out of the same facility as another business, they are not connected.

Hiring for the new positions will take place in late January.  Those interested in becoming a part of the Quality Farms team may apply through SC Works at www.scworks.org. For more information about Quality Farms, please visit www.quality-farms.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $75,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant to be used as reimbursement for the costs of real property improvements.

"We investigated several locations in the Southeast for our expansion.  However, because of the energy and excitement of the economic development director in Marion County, we chose to locate in Mullins, SC.  Because of the positive responsiveness, I feel we can foster a long-term partnership with the community for future success and growth,” said Quality Farms President Richard Grow

"We are always looking to partner with innovative companies like Quality Farms, and we are excited to welcome them to Marion County. Quality Farms’ decision to establish their first southeastern facility in South Carolina is a great sign for our state and this local community,” said Gov. Nikki Haley

"Our recycling and our agribusiness industries are growth sectors, and this is a company at the intersection of both. South Carolina has all of the ingredients for small businesses to be successful, and I look forward to watching Quality Farms thrive in our state,” said Secretary Bobby Hitt

"We are excited that Quality Farms has decided to expand their company in Marion County. They not only bring a new industry to our County, but also offer opportunities for future growth and expansion of other new businesses. On behalf of Marion County and the Marion County Council, I would like to welcome Quality Farms to Marion County,” said Marion County Council Chairman Buddy Collins