Sign manufacturer to open facility in Bluefield

Chicago-based custom sign manufacturer Signco Inc. will invest $650,000 to take over the former MC Signs facility at 334 Industrial Park Road in Bluefield, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Friday.

Signco, which is owned by Anthony Morrone and Vince Sclafani, expects to hire 19 workers at the facility.

“Signco’s technology and custom product specifications are advancing sign manufacturing, and selecting Southwest Virginia for its first facility outside Chicago demonstrates confidence in the region’s business environment and labor pool,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick said in a statement. “The company’s entrepreneurial spirit will go far in Tazewell County, and we look forward to partnering with Signco as it ramps up operations.”

Signco was founded in 1984 and has grown from four employees to more than 40 over the past 37 years. It designs, manufactures and installs signs for every industry and has developed a new manufacturing process using 3D printing to make multidimensional LED letters. It is the first company in the United States to bring the technology to the mainstream sign industry, according to a news release from Youngkin’s office. The company employs welders, painters, assemblers and computer numeric controlled (CNC) operators.

“We are excited that Signco has selected Tazewell County as its future home to conduct business,” said Timothy Danielson, Tazewell County’s director of economic development. “Tazewell County offers unparalleled opportunities to conduct business at a measurable competitive advantage. We would also like to thank our partners, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, in helping to bring this success to the citizens of Tazewell County for future job opportunities.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support Signco’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs. Signco is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.