Coatings manufacturer plans to create 29 jobs in Henry County

Hardide Coatings Inc., an English advanced surface coatings manufacturer plans to invest $7.25 million to establish its first Virginia operation in Henry County. The venture is expected to create 29 jobs with an average salary of $50,000.

“I am thrilled to announce these new jobs, which pay well above the average prevailing wage for the region,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement.  “I had the opportunity to meet with company officials last summer in the U.K. about this project, and we are honored to welcome Hardide Coatings to the Commonwealth’s growing roster of international companies.”

Hardide Coatings provides advanced tungsten carbide-based coatings, which increase the life of metal parts operating in abrasive, erosive, corrosive and chemically aggressive environments. The new facility will serve customers in the oil and gas, aerospace, flow control and advanced engineering industries. Its clients are located around the world, including the U.K., Europe, U.S., Canada, the Far East and Australia.

A $150,000 Governor’s Opportunity Fund grant was approved for the project, as well as $170,000 in Tobacco Commission funds. The company is eligible for the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, and to receive sales and use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment.  The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will support the company’s employee training activities.

Organizations that helped land the deal include the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., The Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp., and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which worked with Hardide Coatings for two years to secure the project.

The commonwealth competed against Oklahoma and Texas during the site selection process.