WINDSOR—It’s only October, but an announcement Friday by Gov. Bob McDonnell that a coffee company would bring 800 new jobs and $180 investment to Windsor had Isle of Wight County officials thinking about Christmas.

The jobs will pay an average of $40,000 a year.

“I believe in Santa Claus,” said Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors Chairman Thomas Wright. “It’s a new birth. We’ve got people coming and new jobs. What more could you ask for.”

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters will invest in a production and distribution facility in the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park on Route 460.

“It’s good news for the community and it’s a great day in the commonwealth,” McDonnell said. “It will put a number of people back to work.”

The majority of the jobs would go to workers within the region, or those willing to relocate, said Jon Wettstein, vice-president of supply chain operations for the specialty. The number of jobs would build out within five years.

The company, which produces single-serve portion packs for its Keurig brewing system, would handle grinding, roasting and packaging of its products at the Windsor facility.

The facility will operate 20 to 24 hours a day and will serve the Mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast.

The company is also expanding its facilities in Vermont and Washington.

Wettstein said the company in December will begin recruiting employees for site setup, and initial production should begin in the spring. Available jobs will be listed at www.gmcr.com.

McDonnell approved a $4 million grant to assist with the project. In addition, through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.