Air compressor maker plans $7.4M Norfolk expansion

Norfolk-based Bauer Compressors Inc., a subsidiary of Munich-based Bauer Kompressoren Group, will invest $7.4 million to expand its production capacity in Norfolk, creating an estimated 47 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

The company will increase its capacity to produce hydrogen and natural gas compressors.

“Bauer’s long-term success in the city of Norfolk reinforces the commonwealth’s strong foundation for job growth and the company’s continued confidence in our pro-business climate, infrastructure and workforce,” Youngkin said in a statement. “The expansion of global industry leaders like Bauer strengthens the local and regional economies and Virginia’s advanced manufacturing sector.”

Bauer Compressors specializes in high-pressure breathing air; General Services Administration/military breathing air; industrial air and gas; plastics technology; natural gas; and inert gas compression. Bauer is a 2010 graduate of the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade Program, which assists Virginia exporters that have established domestic operations and want to pursue international exporting to grow.

“Bauer is excited to be able to continue our long-standing partnership with the city of Norfolk and the commonwealth of Virginia,” Bauer Compressors President Tony Bayat said in a statement. “The favorable business climate, easy access to the port and room to grow make Norfolk an ideal location for us.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Alliance to secure the project, for which Virginia competed with Ohio and South Carolina. Youngkin approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Norfolk with the project. Bauer is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. VEDP will support Bauer through the three-year Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides cash grant reimbursements for associated human resources costs after a company has had new employees on the payroll for at least 90 days.