The facility serves as a hub for Gallo's import and export business. Credit: Kym Ellis / Unsplash.

Global wine and spirits company E & J Gallo Winery is set to build a production facility and distribution centre in Chester County, South Carolina, US, with an investment of $423m.

The investment in the new facility is expected to create 496 employment opportunities over the next eight years.

With this move, Gallo intends to support its future business growth and long-term innovation plans.

Gallo CEO Ernest Gallo said: “We could not be more appreciative of the collaboration and support shown by the state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and those in Chester County along with all of the public and private entities who have embraced this project throughout the planning process and have welcomed us to the community.”

Featuring bottling and canning capabilities, as well as warehousing space, the new facility is expected to help the company to better meet customer demand on the East Coast while reducing its overall carbon footprint.

Additionally, the new facility serves as a hub for Gallo’s import and export business as it is located within the close proximity of the Port of Charleston.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said: “Gallo’s investment will transform Chester County and contribute greatly to South Carolina’s economic prosperity.

“Creating a business environment in which world-class brands can grow and thrive is critical to South Carolina’s long-term economic success, especially in our rural communities.”

Construction works are expected to begin immediately. The project’s first phase is slated for completion by October next year.

In April, the spirits division of E & J Gallo Winery finalised an agreement to acquire Agave Loco, owner of cream liqueur brand RumChata.