Category: Press Releases

35 NEW JOBS COMING TO DANVILLE-PITTYSLVANIA COUNTY

Unison Ltd. To Establish Manufacturing Operation

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Unison Ltd will establish its first U.S. based manufacturing operation at Cane Creek Centre Industrial Center. The project will create 35 new jobs as well as $5.2 million in capital investment. The Tobacco Commission approved a $330,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to help bring the project to Danville-Pittsylvania County. The Tobacco Commission has also invested over $4.9 million to develop Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park which is jointly owned by the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “When an international company chooses Virginia as the location of its first U.S. manufacturing operation, it demonstrates the strengths of our infrastructure, education system, skilled labor pool and competiveness on a global scale. With more than 240,000 Virginians working in the manufacturing industry, Unison will benefit from a pipeline of talent as the company expands its footprint. Southern Virginia has made tremendous investments in resources to build its manufacturing workforce, and it’s exciting to see those efforts rewarded by attracting this great project.”

“It is a great day in Southern Virginia as we welcome Unison Ltd to our community,” stated Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall. “It is exciting to be chosen as their first manufacturing location in Virginia and in the United States. The Tobacco Commission is pleased to present a check in support of Unison and the 35 new jobs they are bringing to our region. We believe this is a win-win for Unison and for our workforce. We wish them great success.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “I am pleased that Unison chose Danville-Pittsylvania for their first U.S. manufacturing facility. This goes to show that Southside Virginia has the workforce, infrastructure and facilities to compete worldwide for top quality businesses. This is great news for the region and I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to invest in this project.”

Unison was established in 1973 to design and build computerized control systems for industry. Unison designed the first computer controls for several well-known Tube Bending machine manufacturers in the late 70’s and early 80’s. In 1989 Unison felt that customers’ needs were not being listened to and expanded to design and develop a full range of tube bending machines. In 1993/4 Unison completed a feasibility research study into the possibility of removing the ‘Black Art’ of tube bending, by designing a fully automated set up tube bending machine. This method of control was revolutionary and enabled all positions and forces necessary to bend a tube to be stored and recalled by computer. This method of control was patented in both the UK and Germany. In 1995 Unison developed the first three ‘all-electric’ tube bending machines 20mm, 40mm and 65mm tube capacity. The very first machine went into service in 1996 and is still in production. Since the first machines were developed Unison has increased the range to cover tubes 4mm to 180mm diameter with the ‘all-electric’ technology capable of running machines of over 220mm. The use of the servo technology to control all moving parts has enabled Unison to build machines for customers with virtually unlimited control features completely unavailable to machines using hydraulics to move the tooling or the part being made.

Joint Managing Director of Unison, Julian Kidger said, “We are thrilled to be announcing this expansion with a community that understands our vision of education and industry working in partnership. The business environment Virginia is creating around advanced manufacturing was a key driver in our choice of location. Real investment in attracting the right sort of business to the area is supported by an equal drive and investment in education. This is key to the long-term success of any business. The professional and financial support available through the Tobacco Commission, the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund and the local municipalities further enhanced an already compelling case.”

“The City of Danville is delighted to welcome Unison Ltd. to Southern Virginia,” said Danville Mayor John Gilstrap. “This region has an affinity for advanced manufacturing and has built an extraordinary workforce training capability that will support Unison’s growth in the U.S. market. We believe that Unison will add tremendous value to this rapidly growing regional economy and will help diversify the region’s industry base. It’s very encouraging to know that international companies, like Unison, have confidence that they can be globally competitive operating in Danville Pittsylvania County.”

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Robert “Bob” Warren added, “By Unison Ltd. locating its U.S. manufacturing facility in Ringgold, it’s evidence that Pittsylvania County and Danville’s joint efforts in creating a precision machining workforce pipeline is paying dividends and is very attractive to high-quality advanced manufacturers. The Board warmly thanks Unison Ltd. for choosing Danville-Pittsylvania County, and is committed to maintaining a positive business environment that will promote future success for the Company in the Dan River Region.”

Attracting businesses like Unison Ltd. to Southern and Southwest Virginia is part of the Tobacco Commission’s strategy to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve. Long term investments in the region, like Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park, allow localities to continue to compete for businesses, like Unison Ltd., worldwide.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/7/2017

INTERTAPE POLYMER GROUP BRINGING 15 NEW JOBS TO PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Project Will Also Include $7 Million Investment

Richmond, VA – Governor McAuliffe announced today that Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) will expand their manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County. The expansion will include the installation of three production lines at their facility in Pittsylvania County. The expansion will create 15 new jobs and bring $7 million in capital investment.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “It is gratifying that Intertape Polymer Group chose to expand its Pittsylvania County operation out of more than a dozen locations around the globe. The Commonwealth’s diverse advanced manufacturing sector employs more than 240,000 Virginians, and our workforce remains one of our greatest assets to help win competitive projects. We look forward to a continued partnership with IPG and to the company’s next chapter of success in Southern Virginia.”

“Intertape Polymer Group has been a solid business with a positive economic impact in our region for 30 years,” stated Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Danny Marshall. “The Tobacco Commission is happy to present a check for $75,000 in support of their expansion of 3 production lines in the Pittsylvania County plant. We are glad that they chose to invest an additional $7 million in the local site and to provide new jobs here. We look forward to their continued success.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Stanley added, “This level of investment along with 15 new jobs is a big win for Pittsylvania County and Southside Virginia. Intertape has been providing high quality jobs here for 30 years and it is great to see that they have decided renew their commitment to our region with this expansion.”

IPG is a recognized leader in the development, manufacture and sale of a variety of paper and film based pressure sensitive and water activated tapes, polyethylene and specialized polyolefin films, and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use. Additionally, IPG is a leader in the woven coated fabrics industry. Its performance products, including tapes and cloths, are designed for demanding aerospace, automotive and industrial applications and are sold to a broad range of industry/specialty distributors, retail stores and large end-users in diverse industries.

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert “Bob” Warren said, “This expansion is only the latest of several recent significant capital investments at the company’s Ringgold Plant. We are very appreciative of Intertape Polymer Group’s continued commitment to conducting business in Pittsylvania County over the past three decades while also providing quality jobs to our capable workforce. The Board not only acknowledges IPG as being a global leader in its industry, but more importantly a valuable neighbor in the Pittsylvania County community. I am confident that IPG will continue to find success in the County and that our business-friendly environment will lead to additional positive news from IPG.”

Dan River District representative and Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Joe Davis added, “Our good friend and neighbor, Intertape Polymer Group, continues to grow and expand at a rapid pace. On behalf of the Board, the Dan River District and its citizens, I thank IPG for believing in Pittsylvania County and its people. With our continued significant investments in workforce development, our current and future workers will not let IPG down.”

Intertape Polymer Group has been a valued employer in Pittsylvania for 30 years. Developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia includes supporting existing businesses when the opportunity to expand arises. The Tobacco Commission is proud to support Intertape as they continue to grow and provide high quality jobs in our region.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/7/2017

55 NEW JOBS COMING TO GREENSVILLE COUNTY

Oran Safety Glass to Expand Manufacturing Operation

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Oran Safety Glass (OSG) will expand its manufacturing operation in Greensville County. The expansion will create 55 new jobs and will include $4.45 million in capital investment. This is the second expansion for OSG and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $235,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant as well as an $117,500 TROF loan to make the project a reality.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Retaining quality employers like Oran Safety Glass is critical to ensuring a healthy local, regional, and state economy. Home to more than 5,500 advanced manufacturing companies, the Commonwealth will continue to support this booming industry and the workforce that helps it thrive. OSG is a great example of the growth manufacturers can achieve in Virginia, and we look forward to a continued partnership as the company grows in Greensville County.”

Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Senator Frank Ruff added, “This expansion shows that OSG is committed to our region and we are proud to have them as a partner as we work to bring jobs and investment to the area. We have the workforce, facilities and infrastructure to attract top employers, like OSG, and I’m confident that they will continue to build on the success they’ve seen here in Greensville.”

OSG is an Israeli-headquartered specialist glass manufacturer that develops a wide range of glass products, including armored safety glass, such as bullet-resistant windows, curved, flat, laminated, and insulated. As a global company with an international client base, OSG provides customized glass solutions for various industry sectors. The company’s expertise covers all areas of glass processing for defense, security, and transportation sectors, as well as special applications for other industries, such as architecture and solar.

Louis Mitchener, SR. VP, North American Division, Oran Safety Glass said, “OSG Inc has had a very successful growth curve since launching our US operations in 2006. Greensville County, Virginia has been a vital part of that growth so expanding here made good business sense. We are looking forward to our next 10 years and beyond!”

Peggy Wiley, Board of Supervisors Chair, Greensville County added “Jobs and capital growth are a priority of Greensville County. We are honored that OSG has chosen to continue our partnership in the Greensville County Industrial Park. They have been a vital part of our community for over 10 years and we look forward to many more years of success.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Companies like OSG, with their continued growth and investment in the region, are integral to this mission.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/7/2017

28 NEW JOBS COMING TO WASHINGTON COUNTY

Hapco Pole Products Builds on 50 Years of Success

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Hapco Pole Products is expanding their Washington County manufacturing operation. The expansion will create 28 new jobs and bring $6 million in capital investment to create a new 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $95,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant to assist with this project.

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore said, “Hapco Pole Products has long been a valuable corporate steward in Washington County, and the addition of a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to its campus reinforces the company’s commitment to the region and to Virginia. With more than 240,000 Virginians employed in manufacturing, Hapco will continue to benefit from a skilled workforce and tailored training programs to support this thriving industry. We’re proud to have Hapco on the Commonwealth’s corporate roster, and look forward to the next 50 years.”

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Bill Carrico added, “The announced expansion of Hapco Pole Products is welcome news for Washington County. For more than five decades, Hapco has been creating jobs for Southwest Virginians, and this expansion will allow them to create more. I applaud the Tobacco Commission’s decision to award these funds for a project that will result in more than $6 million in capital investment, 28 new jobs and more square footage for Hapco facilities. This is a great victory for Hapco, the Tobacco Commission, and all of Southwest Virginia.”

Hapco has a long history dating to 1843 when its parent corporation, Hubbard and Company, originated as a national manufacturer of forgings and stampings to the utility industry. A major contributor to the emerging telephone and power industries of the late 19th century, their commitment to “offering products of the highest quality at ever-increasing service levels” established Hubbard as the leading company in these growing fields. In 1951, Hubbard established a new division, the Hubbard Aluminum Products Company (HAPCO), and offered its first line of aluminum lighting poles and brackets in August of that same year. The superior properties of aluminum poles were immediately embraced by the market, with Hapco seeing significant growth during these early years. Hapco was acquired by its current owner Dyson-Kissner-Moran (DKM) in 1958, and the original Pittsburg, Pennsylvania facility was moved to its present-day location in Abingdon, Virginia in 1962.

Fred Vermeer, President/CEO, Hapco said, “Our investment in this new facility reflects the strength of our business and our commitment to Abingdon, VA. With almost 55 years in the same location, Hapco has maintained a significant manufacturing presence in our industry, and we look forward to building on that legacy through this important increase of our manufacturing capabilities. With this growth, our skilled workforce will continue to vigorously pursue Hapco’s original commitment of ‘the highest quality’ in the pole products industry.”

Randy Pennington, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors added, “Hapco has maintained operations in Washington County for over half a century. The company’s continued commitment to job creation and investment in our community is most certainly exciting and welcome news.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia. Companies like Hapco Pole Products that have shown a long term commitment to the region and its economy are essential as we strive to develop a diverse economy in the areas we serve.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/29/2017

SIGNALTAPE® ENTERS MARKET

Excavation Alert Systems, LLC Enters Market with Signaltape

Richmond, VA, – Excavation Alert Systems, LLC (EAS) has launched its first product line: Signaltape® Underground Marker Tape. The first sale of 47,500ft was shipped to a Canadian water company this past June, and initial customer feedback has been very positive.

Signaltape is a buried utility protection system designed to alert equipment operators and construction site workers to the presence of buried utilities such as natural gas lines or fiber. Signaltape is specifically designed to pull to the surface providing a visual alert directly to the equipment operators that utility lines are below.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission supported this project with a $1,500,000 Research and Development grant in 2013 which enabled the purchase of a high-volume lamination system that has allowed production to take place in Buckingham County at the Arvonia location. The Tobacco Commission worked with the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center on this project.

Chairman of the Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “The debut of Signaltape confirms the Tobacco Commission’s confidence in Excavation Alert Systems and this project. EAS’s success has demonstrated, once again, that our region has the workforce and infrastructure to manufacture innovative products.”

Excavation Alert Systems was also awarded a $25k nondilutive grant from CIT CRCF in early June. The funding will be used to perform additional quality and performance testing of Signaltape products. Additionally, Excavation Alert Systems, LLC has ramped up production at their facility in Arvonia, VA with the hiring of four additional production employees.

Mike Parilac, Owner of Planet Underground said, “Signaltape breathes new life into a standard industry product while tremendously enhancing excavator safety.”

Duffy Carmack, Chief Financial Officer of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center added, “The Signaltape project is an outstanding Research and Development project that has resulted in a marketable product that is in high demand with the natural gas industry. When fully operational this will provide employment opportunity for our region and a product that will be utilized worldwide.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to bringing jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia. Projects like Signaltape that offer a compelling product designed and manufactured in our region are a perfect example of our commitment to developing a diverse economy in the areas we serve.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jbutler@revitalizeva.org
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/29/2017

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION LAUNCHES LAST MILE BROADBAND PROGRAM

Program Aims to Expand Broadband Access in Rural Virginia

Richmond, VA – In today’s world access to a broadband connection is more critical than ever. Unfortunately, many rural areas lack access to this vital utility and this has created a “digital divide” between urban areas with access to broadband and rural areas without. The Tobacco Commission has invested significantly over the years to provide this much needed access to Southern and Southwest Virginia. Since the Commission was created in 1999 it has dedicated over $150 million to create fiber infrastructure across the region. This has attracted significant investment and high paying jobs at data centers and other employers that rely on high speed broadband connections.

Though much progress has been made, the Commission knows there is still much work to be done particularly when it comes to “last mile” connections which connect individual homes and businesses to the backbone fiber network the Commission has created. To help solve this problem the Commission is setting aside $10 million from the Research & Development Committee budget to assist in the construction of these “last mile” connections. Applications will be accepted from localities that wish to expand access in unserved areas within the Commission’s footprint at speeds of at least 10Mbps, with preference given to localities applying in conjunction with private-sector partners. Funds will be disbursed to successful applicants in the form of a grant. For more information regarding the Last Mile Program please take a look at the program guidelines.

Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Bedford), Chairman of the Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee, said, “This investment in public/private partnerships is the next step in the Commission’s effort to expand broadband access to unserved Virginians across Southside and Southwest. We know expanding broadband access to the unserved will have a positive effect on health and education, while simultaneously boosting the economic viability and vitality of these areas. By prioritizing unserved regions with these public-private partnerships, the Commission is wisely invested in the people it is intended to serve.”

It should be noted that while the Commission has set aside $10 million for this program it will only fund projects that meet all of the requirements laid out in the program guidelines and are approved by the Commission. This may result in a total expenditure of less than $10 million if appropriate projects are not identified to utilize the entire sum.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/15/2017

TRINA HEALTH OF POUNDING MILL, LLC. ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW TREATMENT CENTER IN TAZEWELL COUNTY

Company Plans to Create 21 Full Time Jobs

Richmond, VA – Trina Health of Pounding Mill, LLC held an announcement ceremony for their new facility in Tazewell County today. Trina Health will offer “artificial pancreas treatment” at the facility for patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The treatment has proven effective at reducing or preventing common comorbidities associated with diabetes such as non-healing wounds, kidney disease, hypertension, chronic fatigue and more. Trina Health of Pounding Mill, LLC received a $90k Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant as well as a $45k TROF loan to assist with the project.

Tobacco Commission member, Delegate Will Morefield said, “This technology will greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from a number of health issues. It is exciting to know that Southwest Virginia will serve as the home of the first clinic of its kind in Virginia.”

The company has a plan to grow to 21 full-time employees within 5 years. The project will also bring $500k in capital investment to Tazewell County. The new center is located in 2,400-square-feet of space of an existing building located on U.S. Rt. 19/460 across from the Pounding Mill Wal-Mart.

John Chmara, Project Manager for Trina Health added, “We are excited to be able to bring this innovative diabetic treatment utilizing microburst insulin infusion (MII) to Southwest Virginia. We appreciate the confidence shown and support of VCEDA, the Tazewell County IDA, and the Tobacco Commission.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Successful companies like Trina Health not only provide quality jobs and investment but offer the potential for higher quality of life for many area residents making this project an ideal investment for the Commission.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/10/2017

40 NEW JOBS COMING TO RUSSELL COUNTY

JennChem, LLC to Open Manufacturing Facility

Richmond, VA – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that JennChem, LLC, an affiliate of the JENNMAR family of companies will open a new manufacturing facility in Russell County. The facility will produce heavy duty conveyor systems used in multiple industries including mining, construction, aviation and automotive. In addition to the creation of 40 new jobs the project will include $5 million in capital investment. This will be the third facility affiliated with JENNMAR in Virginia. The JENNMAR companies already operate facilities in Tazewell County and Giles County.

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $215,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant for this project.

Tobacco Commission member, Senator Ben Chafin said, “Assisting businesses in the mining and manufacturing industries in Southwest Virginia is key to growing the economy in Southwest Virginia. Forty new jobs created by JennChem is great news for Russell County and the entire region. I want to thank JENNMAR for its commitment to the region as a great corporate partner. I am proud of the work the Tobacco Commission has accomplished along with the other partners in this economic development effort.”

Tobacco Commission member, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore added, “This project is a great win for Russell County and Virginia, and a testament to the workforce and assets in the region that encouraged the JENNMAR Corporation family of companies to again choose the Commonwealth. JENNMAR is a unique company that represents both the manufacturing and energy industries, adding great to diversity to the Southwest Virginia economy. We stand ready to support the company’s growth, and look forward to its continued success in the Commonwealth.”

JennChem designs and delivers chemical roof support, rock stabilization and ventilation sealing products to the mining and underground construction industries. JENNMAR is family-owned company specializing in ground control technology for the mining and tunneling industries. They manufacture a broad range of products designed to make mining and tunneling safer and more efficient.

Ernie McFaddin, Chairman of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority said, “The JennChem company has been great to work with since the inception of this project. The combined efforts of Governor McAuliffe, VCEDA, the Tobacco Commission, VEDP, the Russell County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Lebanon, and New Peoples Bank all played a vital role in making this an attractive location for the company. We are excited to have them in our community. This manufacturing facility will be a valuable addition to our county and the state by capitalizing on the strong workforce we have available in Southwest Virginia.”

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is committed to developing a diverse economy in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Continued investment from companies like JennChem and JENNMAR is key to reaching that goal.

Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.revitalizeva.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/26/17

TOBACCO REGION REVITALIZATION COMMISSION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Richmond, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission launched their new website today, www.revitalizeva.org. The new website is designed to give visitors easy access to information as well as a better understanding of the mission and functions of the Commission. The site features a clean and uncluttered design that will greatly increase ease of use allowing users to easily find the information they are looking for.

The Commission strives to be transparent in all that it does and the new website furthers those efforts by including a grants database tool that will allow anyone to look up projects the commission has funded. Available information includes approval date, project end date and amount awarded for the project as well as the name of the company associated with the grant and the county in which the project will be located. The Commission hopes that this tool will be a valuable resource for both members of the media and the general public.

The site also includes a site selection tool that will allow business owners and site selection consultants to see available sites in Southern and Southwest Virginia. This will help the Commission market the region to prospective businesses with the goal of increasing capital investment and job creation.

Tobacco Commission Deputy Director, Chris Piper said, “This new website is part of our ongoing effort to be more open, transparent and accessible to those we serve. Information about the Commission, our programs, how to apply for grants and existing grants is now much easier to find. As we work to develop a diverse economy across Southern and Southwest Virginia it’s important that we keep up technologically and this new website is a step in the right direction on that front.”

The website will be updated regularly with grant application dates, meeting dates, press releases, the latest Commission news and more. Visitors are invited to explore the new website and check back regularly for updates on Commission activities.

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
6/21/17