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Tag: Virginia Economic Development Partnership

SimpliSafe bringing second facility to Henrico

Home security system manufacturer SimpliSafe will invest more than $3 million to expand its operations in Henrico County, increasing its jobs creation total for the county to more than 800, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

The company will establish a new customer security monitoring service center at 4840 Cox Road in Glen Allen to provide 24-hour monitoring of security systems data. In 2020, SimpliSafe opened its first customer support operation at Willow Lawn in Henrico County, which created 572 jobs. This additional center will create 250 more jobs within five years, according to the governor’s statement.

Virginia competed with Washington state and other West Coast locations for the project.

“SimpliSafe’s decision to establish a second Henrico County facility in just two years further solidifies why Virginia is the best place to do business,” Northam said in a statement. “The Richmond region has the business climate, talent pipeline, and infrastructure to support the rapid growth of SimpliSafe. We are proud to help SimpliSafe continue to protect millions of individuals across the country from its operations here in the commonwealth.”

Boston-based SimpliSafe provides self-installed home security devices, 24-hour monitoring and software for residential use.

SimpliSafe CEO Christian Cerda said in the statement: “We are thrilled to continue expanding our operations in Henrico County. The Richmond region has proven to be the ideal place to launch SimpliSafe into its next phase of growth with our own state-of-the-art monitoring center. We have aggressive hiring plans to help us address the demands of our growing customer base, and this market is rich with exceptional talent. We’re proud to be creating opportunities in Henrico County as we work on our mission of making every home secure.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico Economic Development Authority to compete for the project. The VEDP will help reduce SimpliSafe’s human resource costs through the state-funded Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides funding to support employee recruitment and training activities for companies that create jobs. SimpliSafe is also eligible to receive benefits from the VEDP’s Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for full-time jobs created, according to the governor’s office.

“Central Virginia is proud to lead the way as our commonwealth and our country rebuild and recover,” U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement. “This expansion will bring hundreds of new jobs to our region, support existing Virginia businesses and employees, and make our community stronger and more competitive. I am grateful for SimpliSafe’s confidence in the Central Virginia workforce and its commitment to bringing more job opportunities to our region.”

Plastics equipment manufacturer to reopen Pulaski facility

Plastics industry equipment manufacturer Xaloy Holdings LLC will move its barrel manufacturing operation from Ohio back to Virginia, reopening its former facility in Pulaski County, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

Xaloy will invest $1.75 million in its 100,000-square-foot, 30-acre site in Pulaski to produce bimetallic barrels, which are formed by bonding metal linings to the insides of steel tubes, for use in the plastics manufacturing industry. The move is expected to create 35 jobs, Northam said in a statement.

Virginia successfully competed against Ohio for the project.

“Our workforce is one of the key reasons Virginia is America’s Top State for Business, and the return of Xaloy is proof positive that our pipeline of skilled talent is unmatched,” Northam said in a statement. “It was a priority to regain this important employer in Pulaski, and securing this important project demonstrates the value of collaboration in driving economic opportunity and building long-term corporate partnerships.”

In 2016, Xaloy closed its Pulaski plant and moved the majority of the facility’s manufacturing to Austintown, Ohio. With its return to the New River Valley, the company will rehire some former employees familiar with Xaloy’s specific machinery. The project will retain seven jobs, according to the governor’s statement

Xaloy CEO Kamal K. Tiwari said in the statement: “With the increase in demand, we were reaching capacity with our twin-barrel line in Austintown, and moving that business back to Pulaski was contingent on being able to hire the right people and do it quickly. When we decided to reopen the Pulaski site, we turned to former employees to get the facility back in operation. Nearly all 20 of the initial workforce consists of former Pulaski Xaloy workers, bringing with them decades of experience. … With the support of the governor, state and local officials and everyone who wanted to see manufacturing in this community back on its feet, we’re happy to have been able to bring those hopes to fruition.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the town of Pulaski and development agency Onward New River Valley to compete for the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as local incentives from Pulaski County and the Town of Pulaski, according to the governor’s office.

Del. Nick Rush, a Republican, serves the 7th House of Delegates district, which includes Floyd County and parts of Montgomery and Pulaski counties.

“When I delivered for FedEx a number of years ago, I warmly remember a sign that greeted everyone who entered Xaloy: ‘Through these doors walk the world’s greatest barrel makers,’” he said in the statement. “The return of Xaloy to Pulaski County means that barrel manufacturing professionals and southwest Virginia will benefit greatly from having this specialty trade return to our region. … I look forward to the world’s best barrel makers walking through those doors once again.”

Xaloy manufactures plastic processing components for injection and extrusion machinery. It was acquired by Altair Investments Inc., a Chicago-based private equity firm that focuses on niche manufacturing companies, in February 2021.

VEDP, Martinsville receive $3.9M in federal grants

The city of Martinsville and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership have been awarded $3.9 million in federal CARES Act grants to boost economic development during the downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Thursday.

Martinsville will receive a $3 million grant from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration to expand its sanitary sewer service, and $750,000 in local matching funds will be added to the project. The project is expected to create 400 jobs, save 3,500 jobs and generate $25 million in private investments, according to a department news release.

VEDP will receive a $960,000 grant to address the needs of developers in Virginia and nearby states, in an effort to attract businesses to the state. The grants are part of $1.5 billion allocated to the EDA in the federal CARES Act passed last year, funding that is being administered under the commerce department’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program.

“Virginia is emerging very strong from the pandemic, with unemployment dropping and revenue rising,” Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “These grants will help supercharge our efforts to help families and businesses participate in a broad-based, equitable recovery. It’s good to have partners in Washington who believe in investment, infrastructure and planning for the future.”

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Northam announces $3.6M expansion of Eaton in Henrico

Power management manufacturer and supplier Eaton Corp. plc will invest $3.6 million to move production from California to its facility in Henrico County, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday.

The move will create 80 jobs through the expansion of the Henrico facility’s production capabilities and the addition of new lines for electrical component manufacturing. Eaton, an American Irish-domiciled company, provides sustainable solutions to help customers better manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power.

“Eaton’s decision to move production to Henrico County and expand its presence in our commonwealth demonstrates the strength of Central Virginia’s manufacturing workforce,” Northam said in a statement. “The company’s commitment to sustainable power solutions aligns perfectly with the Clean Energy Virginia initiative, and we look forward to partnering with Eaton as we work to accelerate our transition to renewable energy.”

Eaton operates in more than 175 countries and has distribution centers in Henrico County and Charlottesville. Eaton employs approximately 92,000 people and had revenues of $17.9 billion in 2020.

“Optimizing our existing Eaton footprint in Henrico will ensure that our operations are well-positioned for future success,” said Chris Butler, senior vice president and general manager of Eaton’s power quality division. “This investment further solidifies our commitment to our operations in the greater Richmond area, and we look forward to being a longstanding member of this community.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico Economic Development Authority and Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia and will support Eaton’s job creation through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities.

As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for citizens. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, as well as state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

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Manufacturer announces $10.7M expansion in Montgomery County

Motion control product manufacturer Moog Inc. will invest $10.7 million to transfer existing jobs and equipment from its Blacksburg facilities to a larger building in Montgomery County, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday. The investment will also create 75 jobs.

Founded more than 65 years ago, East Aurora, New York-based Moog Inc. designs, manufactures and integrates precision control components and systems  for applications in aerospace, defense, industrial and medical devices. The company operates in 26 countries and employs more than 1,200 people in Virginia.

“Moog is an important partner in the commonwealth, and it is exciting to see the company grow its capabilities in Montgomery County,” Northam said in a statement. “The New River Valley has outstanding institutions of higher education and a world-class workforce, and Moog’s continued investment is a testament to these assets. We are confident that this expansion will propel the company and the commonwealth’s aerospace industry forward.”

The investment will add 80,000 square feet to Moog Inc.’s operations.

“As we look to support our growing business in established and new markets, the focus has been on developing geographic centers of excellence with ready access to a diverse talent pool,” Janet Byrne-Safier, vice president of Moog’s power and data sector, said in a statement. “Moog places emphasis on retaining and developing its current workforce and new employees.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Montgomery County to secure the project for Virginia and will support Moog’s job creation through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). Moog was also recently selected to participate in VEDP’s Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, which focuses on international export goals.

 

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Seven Va. exporters graduate from VALET program

Gov. Ralph Northam announced on Friday the list of the latest seven companies to graduate from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program.

More than 300 companies have now graduated from the a two-year international business acceleration program that assists participating Virginia exporters with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events and customized market research.

There are currently 46 companies participating in the VALET program. VEDP has a network of international market research consultants covering more than 70 countries around the globe.

The graduating companies are:

  • Atomized Products Group of Chesapeake Inc., Chesapeake
  • Biomic Sciences LLC, Albemarle County
  • Cambridge International Systems Inc., Arlington County
  • Diamond Healthcare Corp., Richmond
  • ExploreLearning, Charlottesville
  • Fonteva, Arlington County
  • Sentry Equipment & Erectors Inc., Bedford County

“In today’s challenging and uncertain business environment, Virginia companies need support to identify new customers and navigate global markets,” said Northam in a statement. “The VALET program’s tools and expertise continues to help Virginia exporters drive sales, which are an important economic engine for the commonwealth. We applaud these seven businesses for their commitment to international growth and their achievements in Virginia and abroad.”

Virginia exports over $37 billion in goods and services annually. Exports of Virginia’s products and services support more than 257,000 jobs and generate $2 billion in annual tax revenue.

“Export sales drive employment and capital investment in the commonwealth, and we are proud that a proven program like VALET is available to help Virginia businesses capitalize on global opportunities and position them for success for many years to come,” said Stephen Moret, VEDP president and CEO, in a statement.

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Norfolk shipping, logistics company to create 400 jobs through $36M expansion

Shipping and logistics company CMA CGM Group will keep its North American headquarters in Norfolk and invest $36 million to expand its Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia operations, creating more than 400 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

The French company opened its first Virginia office in 2002 in Virginia Beach and in 2005 moved its headquarters to Norfolk. It currently employs approximately 655 people there. 

“This project is a tremendous victory for Virginia that will add significant momentum to our economic recovery as we emerge from this pandemic,” Northam said in a statement. “Hampton Roads has a well-deserved reputation as a maritime services hub and our renowned tech workforce in Northern Virginia continues to attract leading companies.”

The company’s investment will go toward the expansion of its customer care and finance operations in Hampton Roads and the establishment in Arlington County of Zebox, a startup incubator and accelerator started by CMA CGM Group Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé. The goal of Zebox is to help startups develop new transportation, logistics and mobilities technology. The company operates the same startup concept in France.

The majority of the jobs created from the expansion will be in Hampton Roads, however. The commonwealth of Virginia could not comment neither on the type of jobs nor the expected average salaries.

“Securing CMA CGM’s expansion sends a powerful message that The Port of Virginia stands among the world’s greatest and our commonwealth is prepared to keep adapting to the demands of our global economy.”

CMA CGM serves 19 U.S. ports, including The Port of Virginia, with 34 services and 93 weekly port calls. The company’s 538 vessels carried nearly 22 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2019, serving more than 420 ports across the world. In total, the company employs more than 12,000 people across the U.S. 

“Such a partnership is a great opportunity for our group and our American customers. Furthermore, given the success of our startup incubator and accelerator Zebox in France, we’re thrilled to launch Zebox America in Arlington County,” Saadé said in a statement. “This is an exciting challenge to enable the development of innovative, game-changing projects and technologies.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the city of Norfolk, Hampton Roads Alliance, Port of Virginia and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission to secure the project for Virginia. The company will be eligible for a $9.5 million MEI custom performance grant with approval from the General Assembly. CMA CGM can also access Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program benefits. VEDP’s Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will provide job creation support.

“We have had a long, collaborative relationship and partnership with CMA CGM and are very pleased that the company elected to expand its operations and grow its workforce in Virginia,” John F. Reinhart, Virginia Port Authority CEO and executive director emeritus, said in a statement. “We are fortunate that our new CEO and executive director, Stephen Edwards, knows the CMA CGM team very well and will work to build upon the strong foundation we have with this important customer and its business in Virginia.”

 

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Crown Holdings to build $145M aluminum can factory in Henry County

Yardley, Pennsylvania-based metal packaging tech company Crown Holdings Inc. will establish a $145 million aluminum can manufacturing operation in Henry County, creating 126 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

The company will build the 355,000-square-foot facility to be used for aluminum beverage can production in the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre. Founded in 1892, the Fortune 500 company has operations in 47 countries, employing more than 33,000 people. It has operated in Virginia for more than 60 years and has facilities in Frederick County and Suffolk as well as subsidiary operations in Henry County and Pittsylvania County. It currently employs 200 Virginians.

“We are thrilled to see a longtime Virginia employer and Fortune 500 company like Crown Holdings select Henry County for its new East Coast manufacturing operation,” Northam said in a statement. “The addition of 126 high-quality jobs is a huge opportunity for the people of Southern Virginia, and the region’s tireless efforts to build a skilled workforce pipeline will benefit the company for decades to come.”

Crown Holdings Inc. is a global supplier of rigid packaging products to consumer marketing companies. It also produces transit and protective packing products, equipment and other services. Virginia competed with North Carolina and South Carolina for the project.

“This investment further demonstrates Crown’s commitment to support its customers in meeting the increased demand for aluminum beverage cans,” Crown Holdings Inc. President and CEO Timothy J. Donahue said in a statement. “The Henry County plant will give Crown a stronger position in the specialty can market, while allowing Crown to better serve the needs of customers and consumers for more sustainable packaging.”  

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia, and Northam approved a performance-based $3 million Virginia Investment Performance Grant, which encourages continued capital investment by existing Virginia companies. 

Northam also approved a $1 million Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund grant to help Henry County with the project. Crown Holdings can also receive Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program and Virginia Enterprise Zone Program benefits. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide employee training services.

“This investment by Crown Holdings, Inc. in Henry County is an important addition to Virginia’s growing food and beverage packaging industry,” John Reinhart, Virginia Port Authority CEO and executive director emeritus, said in a statement. “We have invested in our terminals to better serve clients like Crown Holdings and its peers, and we look forward to helping this industry expand into new international markets.”

 

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Laminating company to add 42 jobs in Henry County

Custom laminating company Laminate Technologies Inc. will invest $4 million to expand its Henry County facility in Ridgeway, creating 42 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday.

The company’s manufacturing facility, which opened in 2012, is located at 775 Industrial Park Drive, where an automated hardwood plywood press line will be installed to increase its capacity and production.

“With our skilled workforce, competitive operating costs and access to key markets, manufacturers like Laminate Technologies are finding opportunity in Virginia,” Northam said in a statement. “Expansions in the advanced manufacturing sector will aid our economic recovery during this ongoing pandemic, and we look forward to partnering with the company on its next phase of growth in Henry County.”

Based in Ohio, Laminate Technologies was founded in 1985 as a laminated panel product, fabricated component and furniture product supplier. It has manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The commonwealth competed with Ohio for the expansion.

“We studied several of our East Coast production facilities for expansion but selected our Ridgeway, Virginia, location for multiple reasons, including the solid workforce, proximity to customers and supply chain logistics,” Laminate Technologies Chief Operating Officer Randy Joseph said in a statement. “Adding hardwood plywood production to our current lamination and fabrication capabilities provides a great product synergy. This, coupled with our neighboring supply partner, Southern Finishing in Martinsville, enables us to bring a lot of value to the market.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation on the project, and Northam approved a $100,000 Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund grant to help Henry County with the project.

Laminate Technologies is eligible for Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program benefits as well as benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program. The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will provide recruitment and training services.

 

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10 Va. companies join VEDP’s export trade program

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) announced Wednesday that 10 new companies have been accepted into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, which helps companies work on international exporting growth strategies.

The VALET program helps Virginia companies to establish domestic operations for exports and encourages using international exporting as a growth strategy. During the two-year program, businesses learn international sales plan development services through trainings from international service providers, meetings with potential partners, educational events and market research. There are currently 46 companies participating in the VALET program. Since VALET’s inception, 368 Virginia companies have been accepted into the program. 

These companies are joining the VALET program:

  • American K-9 Interdiction LLC, Isle of Wight County
  • BecTech, Alexandria
  • BluVector, Arlington County
  • Embody Inc., Norfolk
  • Har-Tru, Louisa County
  • IST Research, Fredericksburg
  • Kapsuun Group, Fairfax County
  • Moog Inc., Montgomery County
  • Morphix Technologies, Virginia Beach
  • TRU Ball/AXCEL Archery, Amherst County

Virginia exports more $37 billion in goods and services annually, supporting more than 257,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in annual tax revenue, according to VEDP. 

“International trade is a critical driver of Virginia’s economy, including jobs and capital investment, and will be an important component of the commonwealth’s economic recovery efforts post-pandemic,” VEDP President and CEO Stephen Moret said in a statement. “We are thrilled that these Virginia companies have chosen to accelerate their international sales efforts via the VALET Program, and we look forward to putting our resources to work for their global success.”

 

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