Lutron Electronics to build $28.3M factory in Ashland

Pennsylvania-based Lutron Electronics will invest $28.3 million to build a 145,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Ashland, creating 200 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday.

Lutron manufactures lighting controls, automated shading solutions, and intelligent lighting fixtures for residential and commercial applications. Lutron already has a sales office and training center in Ashland located at 11520 Sunshade Lane, according to its website. The new facility will be located in an industrial park along Lakeridge Parkway, according to Youngkin’s office.

“Lutron Electronics is pioneering lighting technology in the 21st century, developing innovative products that save energy and set the company apart from its competitors,” Youngkin said in a statement. “We are proud that Lutron is growing its presence in Hanover County with a new manufacturing operation and creating 200 high-quality jobs that will boost Virginia’s economy and our robust manufacturing sector.”

A family-owned company founded in 1961, the company’s early inventions, including an early version of its solid-state electronic dimmer invented by Lutron founder, physicist Joel Spira, were donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., in 2010.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Hanover County community and further supporting our global customers with increased manufacturing capacity,” Lutron President Ed Blair said in a statement.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Hanover County to secure the project and Youngkin approved a $250,000 grant to assist the county with the project, according to a news release. Funding and services to support Lutron Electronics’ employee training activities will be provided through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.