US-based Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is all set to expand its operations in Goochland County with an investment of more than $28m over the next five years.

As part of the expansion, the company plans to open a new brewery complex complete with a 60,000ft² brewery, packaging and distribution hall, a taproom and an amphitheater.

The complex will also have a garden and equipment to increase production capacity for its craft beer.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said: "Today’s announcement is a great win for Virginia’s craft brewery industry and our ongoing efforts to build a new Virginia economy.

"Hardywood has built a strong reputation for its award-winning beers and the integrity of its ingredients and business practices. Investments like this create jobs, tourism activity, and new markets for Virginia’s farmers as craft breweries source hops, fruit, herbs, and other agricultural products."

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore said: "Hardywood’s expansion into Goochland County and its commitment to sourcing ingredients from Virginia’s agricultural producers creates a huge opportunity to continue to expand the craft beer supply chain in Virginia."

Through its new production facility, Hardywood will be able to continue to meet the growing demand from its existing markets, as well as venture into new ones.

Goochland County secured a $500,000 grant from Governor McAuliffe who approved it through the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.

A $400,000 performance-based grant has also been approved by McAuliffe from the Virginia Investment Partnership programme.

The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund will also provide a $250,000 grant to Hardywood to support the expansion project.