Draftco to expand in Augusta

Machine and fabrication company Draftco Inc. is planning to expand its manufacturing operation in Augusta County.

The company plans to spend $450,000 to improve its quality inspection room and buy new machines and welding and testing equipment. The investment is expected to create 16 jobs, according to Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Draftco was founded in 1965 and is based in Stuarts Draft. The company is a precision-job shop that provides welding and fabrication work, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine work, sheet-metal fabrication, and machine and equipment building.

“Draftco’s increase in capacity and capability is in support of the forecasted rise in national defense spending and local customer needs,” Kevin Reed, quality manager of Draftco, said in a statement. “The work ethics of the folks in the valley, coupled with the skills and training many of our employees received through Valley Career and Technical Center and Blue Ridge Community College have contributed to Draftco’s success, as a competitive and capable machining and manufacturing ‘build to print’ company.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support Draftco’s new job creation through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training activities. Draftco is eligible to receive $750 per job for a total of up to $12,000.

Augusta County will match the VJIP funding awarded to the company to support the expansion project.