Startup PPE manufacturer settles in Harrisonburg

Startup manufacturing company Valley Guard Supply LLC will invest $1 million to establish a personal protective equipment manufacturing facility in Harrisonburg, creating 45 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday.

The service-disabled, veteran-owned company produces three-ply disposable masks and plans to produce other safety and security gear, according to Northam’s statement.

“Domestic manufacturers of personal protective equipment are critical as we battle this global pandemic, and we thank Valley Guard Supply for answering the call right here in Virginia,” Northam said in a statement. “The company’s new Harrisonburg operation will play an important role in localizing our supply chain and keeping health care workers and citizens safe.”

Valley Guard Supply was founded by James Madison University alumni in April 2020. The company has leased a facility, is purchasing machinery and hiring full-time staff. The company plans to donate masks to local nonprofits and community organizations.

“Without a doubt, talent was the driving force behind Valley Guard Supply’s decision to locate its ‘Made in the USA’ operation in Harrisonburg,” Andy Perrine, strategic adviser at Valley Guard Supply, said in a statement. “James Madison University’s ranking as Virginia’s best school for getting a job and the university’s programs teaching innovation — most notably JMU X-labs — gives the company great confidence that our plans for growth and expansion can rely on a steady stream of top talent.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the city of Harrisonburg to secure the project for Virginia. The VEDP also connected Valley Guard Supply with GenEdge, which approved the company for the GO Virginia-funded Retooling Virginia Manufacturers for Strategic Industries Program. VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program will also provide job creation support.

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