Lynchburg transformer manufacturer to add 149 jobs

Industrial power equipment manufacturer Delta Star Inc. will invest $30.2 million to expand its manufacturing operation and headquarters in Lynchburg, creating an estimated 149 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

The company will add 80,000 square feet of mobile power transformer manufacturing space to its 300,000-square-foot facility located at 3550 Mayflower Drive and will consolidate its headquarters and office functions in an adjacent 14,000-square-foot corporate building.

“Delta Star has been a valuable and reliable employer in the City of Lynchburg for more than 60 years,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Manufacturing is a major economic driver across the commonwealth, and we are proud that this industry leader’s products are not only ‘Made in America’, they are also ‘Made in Virginia.’”

Founded in 1908, Delta Star established its Lynchburg facility in 1962 and later moved its corporate headquarters to the plant. The manufacturer has more than 915 employees, of whom approximately 460 work in the Lynchburg facility. Virginia competed with California and Pennsylvania for the project.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a unique set of advantages such as transportation access, business-friendly attitude at both state and local levels, [and] exceptionally well-executed and supported workforce development and recruitment programs,” Delta Star CEO Jason Greene said in a statement. “Lastly, the significant economic development and growth of the Lynchburg region through numerous programs, projects and investments have made a lasting impact.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to secure the project. Youngkin approved an $850,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lynchburg with the project. Delta Star is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Delta Star will also use the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a discretionary incentive program offered by VEDP and the Virginia Community College System that provides free customizable workforce recruiting and training services for eligible businesses locating or expanding in Virginia.