FRANKLIN
Birdsong Peanuts is leasing the former Money Mailer facility through 2019, according to information provided by Amanda Jarratt, president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. The Suffolk-based company will store raw peanuts in the building, which is located in Pretlow Industrial Park.

“Birdsong, a pillar of the business and civic community, currently has investments in the city of Franklin and Southampton County in addition to their headquarters in Suffolk. The occupancy of the former Money Mailer property is a tremendous benefit to Pretlow Industrial Park,” stated Jarratt.   Charles Birdsong, vice president of Operations and Procurement, stated, “Birdsong Peanuts is excited to be leasing the former Money Mailer property in the Pretlow Industrial Park. It was a pleasure working with Amanda Jarratt and her team at Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. and without their support this deal would not have come together. This property is centrally located to some of our other properties in the area and it will allow us to continue to grow in the region and service both our grower customers and our manufacturing customers.”

Mayor Frank Rabil added, “We are thrilled to have a company of the caliber of Birdsong Peanuts occupying the facility in Pretlow Industrial Park over the next few years. Having new life in that facility will bring about positive energy to the City of Franklin. We are pleased to play a part in meeting the needs of our regionally based businesses and look forward to working with and supporting Birdsong with this project.”

Brian Hedgepeth, FSEDI chairman, stated, “We are pleased that the team at Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. could facilitate this agreement between Birdsong Peanuts and the current owner of the real estate. This expansion assists a local company and increases activity in the industrial park which will continue to support our efforts to attract new investment to the community.”