Trucking company plans $50 million Botetourt facility

Warren, Michigan-based Universal Logistics Holdings is planning a $50 million investment to expand into Botetourt County, a project that is expected to create 45 jobs, the trucking and logistics company announced in early January.

The expansion will bolster the company’s heavy truck capabilities in servicing truck assembly operations, according to the company, which plans to revamp a 254,000-square-foot former Southern States distribution center at 1796 Lee Highway. It’s slated to be operational in 2025.

“Our expansion in the Roanoke region represents an exciting phase for Universal’s heavy truck division as we fortify our commitment to delivering top-tier services within the logistics and transportation sectors,” Universal CEO Tim Phillips said in a statement. “Our investment not only signifies our dedication to growth, but also underscores our pledge to contribute meaningfully to the local economy while creating employment opportunities for the community.”

Roanoke Regional Partnership Executive Director John Hull anticipates the project will create 83 dditional indirect, related jobs and have a regional economic impact of $43 million annually.

The region is home to Volvo Trucks North America in Dublin, the company’s largest truck manufacturing plant, which builds Volvo VNR Electric semi-trucks. Additionally, in Salem, German vehicle parts manufacturer STS Group has established its North American headquarters in a former General Electric factory.

“The expansion of Universal demonstrates the region’s competitiveness in automotive manufacturing,” Hull says. “The Roanoke region is truly a center of excellence when it comes to automotive and heavy truck manufacturing, with a strong portfolio of products and components.”

Universal Logistics Holdings owns subsidiaries providing transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Its heavy truck division provides third-party assembly and warehousing services to the industrial sector.

Botetourt County, the Roanoke Regional Partnership and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership collaborated with Universal to secure the project for Virginia.

“We are extremely excited this project is locating to Botetourt County in a space that had been previously used for a warehouse operation,” Botetourt Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Amy White said in a statement. “Universal will upgrade the use of the facility to manufacturing and will allow the talent of our community to excel. This announcement, along with the announcement of the commercial growth, is enhancing Botetourt in every direction.”