Va. chosen by international yeast products manufacturer for first US operation

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Leiber, a German manufacturer that processes brewers’ yeast into animal nutrition, biotechnology, and nutraceutical products, will invest up to $20 million to establish its first U.S. operation in Innovation Village in Rockingham County.

The Leiber U.S. manufacturing facility will be completed in phases and successively increase its processing capabilities and range of products.

Virginia successfully competed with four adjacent states for the project, which will create 35 new jobs. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Leiber’s first U.S. operation to Virginia, again demonstrating that the Commonwealth is an ideal launch point for international manufacturers to enter the U.S. market,” said Youngkin. “The company’s new facility in Rockingham County is in strategic proximity to the Shenandoah Valley’s robust beverage processing industry, and we are confident this new partnership is a recipe for success.”

“Leiber is a strong addition to Virginia’s fast-growing food and beverage manufacturing sector, joining a diverse ecosystem of partners and suppliers,” said Caren Merrick, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Merrick.Our workforce, infrastructure, and best-in-class business climate distinguish Virginia as a top tier location for global manufacturers to reach new markets, and we look forward to Leiber’s future growth in Rockingham County.” 

“We evaluated various sites in five different states in the Northeast U.S. and found in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia a perfect mix of qualified workforce, proximity to customers and vendors, as well as strong and professional support from VEDP and Rockingham County,” said Christian Stork-Bohmann, Director Corporate Development at Leiber GmbH, Germany.

“As the largest agricultural-producing county in Virginia, this project aligns with our vision of supporting and building upon our strong agricultural base,” said Dewey Ritchie, Chair of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors. “Rockingham County is looking forward to Leiber’s commitment to creating new jobs and diversifying our tax base by supporting the growing food and beverage industry in the Valley.”