Innovative Refrigeration Systems plans expansion in Augusta, adding 214 jobs

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, a provider of advanced industrial refrigeration, cold chain and temperature-controlled infrastructure solutions for complex and mission-critical facilities, plans to invest $19 million to expand operations at its Augusta County manufacturing campus, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Friday.

The expansion will support recent biopharma manufacturing investments in Virginia and create 214 jobs. The company plans to expand its main campus in Lyndhurst to 50 acres and 430,000 square feet.

In October 2025, AstraZeneca announced it would build two manufacturing facilities for $4.5 billion in northern Albemarle County, with plans to create 600 jobs. Also in 2025, Eli Lilly & Co. announced plans to build a $5 billion facility in Goochland County, expected to create 650 jobs. Merck & Co. plans to build a $3 billion manufacturing facility in Rockingham County, adding to its longstanding plant and creating an estimated 500 jobs, the company announced last October.

“As the commonwealth leads the way as a hub for advanced biopharma manufacturing, we must have the infrastructure to support continued growth,” Spanberger said in a news release. “Not only will Innovative Refrigeration Systems‘ expansion in Augusta County help make sure critical medication can reach health care providers, but it will create good-paying career opportunities for hundreds of Virginians.”

Founded in 1993, Innovative Refrigeration Systems has expanded engineering, manufacturing, construction and service capabilities, positioning the company to support complex industrial refrigeration projects. The campus in Augusta County is the company’s headquarters for manufacturing and engineering. Innovative Refrigeration Systems also provides construction and preventative maintenance across North America, according to Bob Almon, the company’s president. 

“We’ll be renovating the facility and plan for it to be operational by Q3 this year,” he wrote in a Friday evening email. 

Today, Innovative Refrigeration Systems is advancing natural refrigeration systems that rely on ammonia and carbon dioxide and create either negligible or no greenhouse emissions.

As part of its expansion, Innovative Refrigeration Systems plans to continue supporting registered apprenticeship and hands-on training programs. Since 2005, the company has maintained apprenticeship programs and currently offers welding and electrical apprenticeships in Virginia, along with a national refrigeration technician apprenticeship, according to a separate company news release.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Augusta County to secure the project for Virginia.

Spanberger approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project. Support for Innovative Refrigeration Systems’ job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which provides training and recruitment solutions at no cost to the company.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from the president of  Innovative Refrigeration Systems.