McAirlaid’s Inc. to expand production in Franklin County

McAirlaid’s Inc. plans to increase production at its manufacturing facility in Franklin County.

The $7.8 million expansion project is expected to create 25 additional jobs at the site, which currently employees 128 workers.

McAirlaid’s Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Germany-based McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH. Virginia competed with Germany for the expansion project.

Founded in 1997, McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH is a global producer and distributor of airlaid, a textile-like material made from nonwoven fabric.

The company’s absorbent airlaid product is used in a variety of food packaging, retail, medical, personal hygiene and filtration applications.

The Franklin County plant was opened in 2006.

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

Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.

In addition, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $60,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant as well as a $60,000 loan for the project.

Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. McAirlaid’s is also eligible to receive Sales and Use tax exemptions on equipment associated with the project.