NorrisBuilt plans $1.5 million expansion

NorrisBuilt Fabrication LLC will invest $1.5 million to expand its welding and fabrication operation in Wise County, creating 24 new jobs.

The company recently acquired the MDJ Machine Shop, expanding its service offerings and customer base.

NorrisBuilt specializes in welding and fabrication. The company has developed a line of brackets and skids that are used in prefabricated buildings for the telecommunications industry, including Verizon and other wireless companies.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked to secure the NorrisBuilt project with Wise County, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Wise County with the project, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission also approved $75,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds.

In addition, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority’s board of directors approved an $825,000 loan to the industrial development authority to assist with the project. The authority will lease the building to NorrisBuilt.

Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by VEDP.