Swedish company to open factory in Henry County

Starsprings, a privately-held Swedish manufacturer, will invest $3.7 million in establishing its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Henry County, creating 68 jobs.

The company will supply mattress units used in long-distance trucking.

Starsprings, based in Herrljunga, Sweden, makes spring units for beds and seats. It currently has operations in Sweden, Brazil and Poland.

Founded in 1918, the company began manufacturing springs for the bedding industry in 1937. Starsprings also now develops mattresses and other components used in heavy trucks.

“Some current Starsprings customers have operations in the Eastern U.S., and for that reason we see good potential in being present to maintain a high service level and continue to grow in the global marketplace,” NilsEric Stjerna, Starsprings’ CEO, said in a statement.

Stjerna said Virginia offers the company a strategic position that will enable it to stay close to its major U.S. customers.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project.

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission also approved $220,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds.

The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Starsprings will also receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Virginia competed against North Carolina and Pennsylvania for the project.