The prospect of more economic development and jobs coming to Vicksburg is certainly welcome news to our community.

Liquid fertilizer manufacturer Vicksburg Plant Food Thursday announced a $20 million expansion for its Vicksburg plant that will create 20 new jobs. That type of investment means this company, which has been in Vicksburg for 40 years, plans to stay in our community for the foreseeable future.

Vicksburg Plant Food CEO Patrick Smith said the company is expanding at its existing location to house two new tanks to support its manufacturing and distribution operations. Vicksburg Plant Food’s growth accommodates an increase in consumer demand, as well as a new contract.

“Our company is excited to grow in Mississippi and Vicksburg. We find in Vicksburg a set of unique location advantages that are of great importance as we continue to grow our market share and expand our business,” Smith said.

Smith said he and his staff worked with the Mississippi Development Authority, Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership and the city of Vicksburg, adding the agencies were “proactive and agile in helping us navigate state and local programs.”
That is exactly the type of interaction on the local and state level necessary to promote job growth in our community in order to attract not only new industry, but build up existing industries that have been in Warren County for decades.

And those 20 new jobs may not seem like much right now, but those are 20 new jobs that will help feed a family and provide more taxes in our community. This positive economic news also strengthens the notion that The Partnership, which is comprised of the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce, The Warren County Port Commission and the private Economic Development Foundation, is working.

“In Vicksburg today, we can celebrate and support job creation from both new and existing industries,” Margaret Gilmer, port commission chairman, said. “We are glad that through the work of the Partnership, companies of all sizes can find support from our economic development agencies as they continue to grow in our community.”

We are cheering right along with you. Let’s keep this economic development momentum going forward.