Kennett Square-based South Mill Champs is planning to construct a $115 million complex with nearly one million square feet of growing space on a 134-acre hay farm in Elk Township, writes Joseph DiStefano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The news follows last week’s announcement that the state had approved a $1.5 million grant to bring a natural gas pipeline to the proposed mushroom farm site and several nearby retailers. State Sen. Andy Dinniman applauded the move as an aid to the area’s “rich agricultural heritage.”

The Chester County Economic Development Council applied for the state grant on behalf of South Mill Champs, which is owned by Eos, a New York investment company.

The new site will employ 500 people and have enough room to have the full range of operations in one place. This includes spawning, growing, processing, packaging, and trucking.

The fully indoor facility will be equipped with the latest technology. According to Gary Smith, president of the CCEDC, it will be “the most automated, highly efficient” growing operation in North America.

“The timetable is a work in progress,” said Lewis Macleod, CEO of South Mill Champs.

Read more about South Mill Champs in The Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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