#United States #Virginia #Rocky Mount #Traditional Medicinals #Tea Production

Traditional Medicinals Launches Tea Production at New Virginia Facility

Traditional Medicinals, a frontrunner in the botanical wellness sector for over five decades, recently unveiled its new manufacturing facility in Rocky Mount, Virginia. With an investment of $47 million, the state-of-the-art, 110,000-square-foot site has officially begun production, marking a significant expansion for the company as it enters the East Coast market.

Bringing Production to the East Coast

This newly established facility signifies a major growth milestone for Traditional Medicinals. It is now the company's second manufacturing site, complementing the existing facility in Sebastopol, California. The strategic move to bicoastal production underscores the company's commitment to improving distribution efficiency and meeting the increasing consumer demand for botanical wellness products across the nation.

By situating the facility at the Summit View Business Park, Traditional Medicinals has rooted itself in the local community, ensuring that the construction and development involved regional partners. Notably, this facility is the first of its kind, employing a tilt-up concrete construction method in Franklin County, which is a testament to innovative building practices.

A Community-Focused Approach

Beyond merely setting up a manufacturing plant, Traditional Medicinals has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to the local community. By making sure all major partners in the design and construction processes were locally based—such as MB Contractors and Interactive Design Group—the company has reinforced its relationship with Franklin County. Moreover, the effort to hire locally has fostered job creation, resulting in 19 new positions just for the facility's startup phase.

The state-of-the-art facility is also designed with sustainability in mind. It operates entirely on electric power, with no reliance on fossil fuels, and includes four bioswales aimed at naturally filtering 100% of runoff from the roof and surrounding areas. "This is a proud moment for our team and for Franklin County," noted Joe Stanziano, CEO of Traditional Medicinals. The CEO emphasized the significance of building relationships with the local community as they sought feedback and engagement throughout the project.

Environmentally Responsible Practices

Traditional Medicinals began its first production run with the well-known Throat Coat® Tea, a product that carries not just popularity but local importance, given that one of its primary ingredients, slippery elm, is sourced from Appalachia. In alliance with Virginia Tech, the company is also involved in research efforts focused on the slippery elm tree, further solidifying its community-oriented ethos.

While the Virginia facility begins producing an expanded selection of teas, the Sebastopol facility will continue its operations at full capacity, maintaining a diverse range of over 60 herbal teas. The strategic positioning of the Virginia site near the East Coast logistical networks allows for better sourcing from herb suppliers located in more than 35 countries, significantly enhancing distribution efficiency.

Economic and Community Impact

Traditional Medicinals has proactively forged strong connections with community organizations such as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Appalachian Sustainable Development entity. The impact of this venture is projected to exceed $62 million for the region, giving a substantial economic boost while strengthening community ties. Steve Bess, the plant director for the Virginia facility, expressed his gratitude toward the local support, which has been crucial in transforming the once-empty land into a thriving operational site.

As Traditional Medicinals continues its journey, the ethos that guided its founding in 1974 remains visible: a belief in the healing power of plants alongside a commitment to sustainable growth. The company's plan of focusing on responsible sourcing, community investments, and upholding core values will drive its future endeavors.

A Legacy of Healing through Plants

Traditional Medicinals is not just about the business; it’s a mission to inspire people and reconnect them with the wisdom of plants. By adhering to stringent quality standards and ethical sourcing, the company has built a reputable legacy that prides itself on scientific accuracy and traditional knowledge.

As the company welcomes this new chapter in Virginia, it stands as a testament to the idea that growth rooted in purpose can create impactful and thriving communities. Products from Traditional Medicinals are now available for purchase online and across natural foods retailers nationwide, allowing a broader audience to access the benefits of herbal wellness.