Winchester manufacturer to build $1.25 million plant expansion

Winchester-based Evolve Manufacturing will invest $1.25 million to enlarge its plant in Frederick County, creating 84 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday.

The company will add a second production line, triple its facility space and increase production for its major customers, including Home Depot, according to a news release.

“Evolve … is a key employer in Frederick County, and we are pleased to support the growth of another manufacturer reinvesting in the commonwealth,” Northam said in a statement. “This expansion is further evidence of the Shenandoah Valley’s ability to attract and retain businesses with its infrastructure, workforce and livability.”

Founded in 2013, Evolve Manufacturing is a specialty composite manufacturer that owns the Evolve Stone, Evolve Play and Createk by Evolve Custom companies. The company is expanding the Evolve Stone line, which is an artificial stone that is face nailed — sent perpendicular into material, rather than driven at an angle into the side to hide it.

“Evolve chose Virginia as its home because of its business-friendly environment, access to a diverse workforce, and small business support network,” Evolve CEO Greg Fritz said in a statement. “Virginia is the complete package for doing business.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Frederick County to secure the project and will support the company through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides state funding to companies creating new jobs in order to support employee recruitment and training activities.