EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY EXPANDING IN HENRY COUNTY
Expansion Will Result in 15 New Jobs
Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Eastman Chemical Company will expand its Henry County operation. The Company will make an $11.7 million dollar investment to add a new production line for its Performance Films business. This project will also lead to the creation of 15 new jobs.
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with an $110,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant. The Commission previously approved $230,000 in TROF funds for another expansion at Eastman Chemical.
Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “It’s gratifying to watch the Commonwealth’s existing manufacturing base expand in Southern Virginia and around the Commonwealth. Virginia employs nearly 250,000 workers in the advanced manufacturing industry, which is steadily gaining momentum. Eastman is an important corporate partner to Martinsville-Henry County, and this great investment helps secure the company’s future longevity in the region and in the Commonwealth.”
Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “Today’s announcement of Eastman’s expansion in Southside is great news for our region. Ever since Eastman Chemical Company established operations here in Virginia, it has been a treasured corporate partner with the Martinsville-Henry County community, and their continued commitment to our citizens is proof-positive that the foundation of the new economy in advanced manufacturing starts right here, right now. The Tobacco Commission is proud to partner with the Governor’s office and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to assist in making this expansion of Eastman’s business operations here in Virginia possible.”
Eastman Chemical Company, founded in 1920, is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2016 revenues of approximately $9.0 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world.
Vice President and General Manager of Eastman’s Performance Films business, Travis Smith said, “This expansion positions Eastman to meet the great growth in demand for window and paint protection films we’re seeing from our customers around the world. This investment further solidifies Eastman’s commitment to the window and paint protection films markets and to making our manufacturing site in Henry County a state-of-the-art facility that produces the world’s highest quality films products.”
Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, Jim Adams added, “Eastman is at the forefront as an employer of choice in Henry County and as a community leader. We are ecstatic about today’s announcement and Eastman’s future in our community.”
The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia to develop a diverse economy in the region. Companies like Eastman Chemical with a strong track record of success and demonstrated commitment to their community are a perfect example of the strategic investments the Tobacco Commission is making.
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
5/30/17