GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR BERRY HILL INDUSTRIAL PARK
Industrial Park is Largest in Virginia
Richmond, VA – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today in Danville, Virginia for the Berry Hill Industrial Park. The ceremony marks the official opening of the largest industrial park in Virginia at 3,700 acres. Berry Hill has seen major investment from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission dating back to 2008. In total, the Commission has awarded nearly $30 million in grants for site development and infrastructure at Berry Hill. The park is a joint project of Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville.
Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for Berry Hill Industrial Park is an important milestone for the future of Southern Virginia and a testament to what years of hard work and determination can provide. As the largest industrial park in the Commonwealth and the fifth largest on the East Coast, this site will be an incredible asset for the Danville-Pittsylvania County Region and the new Virginia economy as we market the region to companies looking to relocate or expand.”
Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall added, “It is all about jobs. The vision and long-term planning for Berry Hill are coming together to create major moves in economic development for our region. I chair the Special Projects Committee of the Virginia Tobacco Commission that has helped to provide more than $29.8 million for the project. Among other positives, the major factor that sets Berry Hill apart from its competitors is the size. It is the largest contiguous industrial park in Virginia and the fifth largest on the East Coast. There is room for expansive operation, which means many jobs. This effort is totally focused on bringing good jobs to our area.”
The industrial park has already been successful in attracting business interest. Recently Southern Power entered into a purchase agreement for a 300 acre site within the park as part of their ongoing effort to secure generation sites for developing potential natural gas projects.
Investments in industrial parks like Berry Hill are part of the Tobacco Commission’s long term plan to develop a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. The Berry Hill site presents an excellent opportunity to continue doing just that with plenty of space available for businesses interested in moving or expanding to the area.
Danville Mayor John Gilstrap said, “We believe a graded site will be a game-changer. When complete, we will be able to show industrial prospects a site that is construction ready. Danville and this region have seen significant change over the years. Textiles and tobacco no longer dominate the economy. However, we have endeavored to adapt – to reimagine success. We are making the transition to an economy with a diversified, forward-looking mix of businesses. Today’s groundbreaking is one more step in our efforts.”
Bob Warren, chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors added, “Pittsylvania County’s vision and goal for Berry Hill Industrial Park has always been to collaboratively work together with our neighbors to create an employment and investment center that greatly assists the region in providing revenues needed for resident services while also creating jobs for our current and future workforce. Pittsylvania County is both honored and humbled to have been entrusted by our regional and State partners to host the location of this site, and values its relationship with the many stakeholders and individuals that have been involved in getting us to this momentous occasion.”
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/23/17