Officials from Billy’s Original Foods announce the company is creating at least 25 jobs and investing $511,000 in food production operations in Vicksburg, Miss. Billy’s Original Foods is a manufacturer of artisan, ready-to-eat frozen Italian meals and deli products.
“I appreciate the team at Billy’s Original Foods for selecting a Vicksburg location and bringing new life to an existing facility. The company’s investment and creation of 25 new jobs will benefit the local economy and community for years to come,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “I thank Billy’s for placing its confidence in our business climate and helping us demonstrate Mississippi is a great place for business. I wish the company many years of success in Vicksburg.”
Billy’s Original Foods is locating operations in the 5,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by Flooring Gallery. The company expects to begin production in May.
"Every major company was once a small business, and we aim to one day be a major player in the food industry," said Billy’s Original Foods COO Mani Chanprasith. "We are excited to be creating our artisan food products in a newly renovated facility constructed to meet federal and global specifications. The trend for growth in the food business, a recession proof-industry, is limitless.”
Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for workforce training. Entergy Mississippi, through its Small Business Incentive Program Rider Schedule, is providing Billy’s Original Foods a 15 percent discount on the company’s monthly electric bill for the first 24 months.
“From Vicksburg, the entrepreneurial spirit of the Billy’s team will allow people around the country the opportunity to enjoy their quality foods,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough. “We salute the talented teams at Entergy and the Warren County Port Commission for working with MDA to locate Billy’s Original Foods in Vicksburg, creating up to 25 new career opportunities for the people of Warren County.”
Billy’s Original Foods’ Original Chicken Salad, Original Lasagna and Original Meatballs will launch in select retail grocery stores in the Mississippi Delta region in summer 2016. For more information, visit www.billysoriginalfoods.com.