Purple Crow is set to acquire property in Whitaker Park where it will establish a new headquarters for its food distribution operations. The company serves as a distributor supplying over 3,000 Hispanic products to stores and restaurants along the East Coast.
The company currently operates out of four locations within Forsyth County and plans to consolidate them into the larger space in Whitaker Park. The company plans to invest $50 million and generate 199 new jobs as part of the expansion.
“Our new facility will help us keep up with the growing demand for our products,” says Dan Calhoun, President and CEO of Purple Crow. “We started our family business here almost 38 years ago and are grateful that we will be able to remain in this community. Winston-Salem is a great place to raise a family and grow a business.”
Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. says “we appreciate Purple Crow’s continued commitment to increasing their operations locally. Food and beverage processing is a strong segment of our advanced manufacturing industry in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County with strong growth projections and high potential to create jobs. Investing in the future success of an existing company such as Purple Crow helps us to maintain the competitive edge in this sector.”
Purple Crow has selected industrial property in Whitaker Park, a 220-acre redeveloped manufacturing complex near Winston-Salem’s central business district. Bob Leak, Jr., President and CEO of the Whitaker Park Development Authority says “WPDA is excited to have Purple Crow join the other companies that call Whitaker Park home. Their expansion will create new jobs and revitalize one of the iconic buildings in our park.”
The City of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are supporting the expansion with incentives based on capital investment and job creation. As a result of the expansion, 199 new jobs are expected to be created by 2028 with an average salary of $72,000, a salary higher than the county’s average.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines says “Purple Crow’s decision to remain in Winston-Salem is a testament to our collaborative and comprehensive efforts to create high-value economic development opportunities for businesses. The redevelopment of Whitaker Park has been a long-term effort with great potential to positively impact Winston-Salem’s development and it has come to fruition.”
Kyle Haney, Community and Economic Development Director for Forsyth County says “we are excited to support Purple Crow as they continue to invest and create jobs in Forsyth County that pay family-sustaining wages. This growth will provide great opportunities for our Forsyth County residents who our workforce partners are preparing to meet employers’ talent needs.”