A food processing company with locations throughout the world is investing $17 million into Harrisonburg to expand their business and create new jobs.

Ariake U.S.A., an international food processing leader with products including bouillon, consommé, sauce bases, noodle soups, and snack seasonings, is headquartered in Harrisonburg, where it opened in 1990.

The company owns a 34-acre campus that employs 90 people, and they plan to expand the manufacturing operation by 22,000 square feet and add 22 new jobs.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the investment on Wednesday, noting that Virginia beat out Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin for the project.

“Ariake U.S.A. has been an important corporate partner to the City of Harrisonburg for nearly 30 years, and we are proud this global company has chosen to reinvest in the Commonwealth ensuring the longevity of its operation for decades to come,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Shenandoah Valley is consistently recognized as a leader in the food manufacturing industry, thanks to its outstanding workforce, business friendly climate, and accessibility to the Port of Virginia and major interstates. Ariake has demonstrated their value time and again as a contributor to this booming region and to our efforts to diversify and build the new Virginia economy.”

The $17 million expansion includes a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund, a resource through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“The City of Harrisonburg is so pleased that Ariake USA will be making another major capital investment in its Harrisonburg facility and creating an additional 22 new jobs for area residents,” said Mayor Deanna Reed. “It is gratifying that this international leader in the food processing industry has partnered with Harrisonburg for its continued growth and expansion.”

Ariake has expanded their Harrisonburg facility several times in the past 27 years, and runs a global network of eight facilities in Belgium, China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the United States.

“I am pleased that Ariake U.S.A. has announced its $17 million expansion will be built in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Senator Mark Obenshain. “While we continue efforts to bring new businesses to Virginia, this is a great example of the potential to foster economic growth by encouraging existing businesses to expand their operations here.”

“The central Shenandoah Valley has a diverse economy with the agriculture and food sectors leading the way,” said Delegate Tony Wilt. “We are a great fit for Ariake U.S.A.'s expansion and I'm thankful they have chosen to continue to invest jobs and capital in Harrisonburg.”