Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Hardide Coatings, Inc., a manufacturer of advanced surface coatings, will invest $7.25 million to establish its first Virginia operation in Henry County and create 29 new jobs with an average salary of $50,000, which is well above the average prevailing wage in the region. Virginia successfully competed against Oklahoma and Texas for the project, which is a result of the Governor's meeting with company officials outside London during the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, "Creating jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector is critical as we work to build a new Virginia economy. I am thrilled to announce these new jobs, which pay well above the average prevailing wage for the region.I had the opportunity to meet with company officials last summer in the U.K. about this project,and we are honored to welcome Hardide Coatings to the Commonwealth's growing roster of international companies."

"This is a big win for rural Virginia as the region continues its economic rebound," said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Hardide Coatings is a growing global company, and this significant investment to expand its manufacturing presence to serve worldwide customers is a great testament to the strong workforce and infrastructure in place in Martinsville-Henry County and the Commonwealth as a whole."

Monogram Food Solutions to invest more than $36 million to expand processing operation

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Monogram Food Solutions, LLC, a Memphis-based manufacturer of value-added processed meats, will invest $36.475 million to expand its meat snacks production operation in the Henry County Patriot Centre Industrial Park. Virginia successfully competed against two other states for the project, which will create 200 new jobs.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, "Monogram Food Solutions is a major employer in Martinsville-Henry County, and an investment of this caliber creating 200 new jobs is a tremendous win for the region as it continues to rebound economically. The company is putting more people back to work and helping to diversify the industry base, both of which are critical for building a new Virginia economy."

"Today is a great day for economic development in Virginia," said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Strengthening relationships with existing businesses is essential to the economic vitality of the Commonwealth, and Monogram Food Solutions continues to thrive in our welcoming business environment. The company's decision to grow its operation in Henry County is a great testament to the advantage of doing business in Virginia."

TMI Auto Tech, exclusive North American manufacturer of the Ariel Atom vehicle, has been awarded an $838,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to develop a new sports car, the Spider. The project is anticipated to create 19 new jobs.

The closed-body Spider is different from the Ariel Atom and will be made of lightweight, high-strength woven carbon composites.

TMI partnered with the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority back in March to submit the grant to the Tobacco Commission.

The market for the Spider is a familiar one for the company: club racers, promotional vehicle purchasers and school car programs. TMI hopes to build 100 of the vehicles for international distribution over the next five years with the starting price of $135,000.

A new shell building at Patriot Centre at Beaver Creek officially is on the market.

A ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday at the lot 8 shell building, located at 1320 Beaver Creek Drive in the industrial park. Speakers included Henry County Administrator Tim Hall, Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman H.G. Vaughn and Martinsville Mayor Kim Adkins.

Hall described the shell building as "a true partnership" between the county, the city, the EDC, the county Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and other area organizations and businesses.

This collaboration has proven that the shell building program can and will be successful, Vaughn said.

"For the proof, you just have to look across the street to Commonwealth Laminating and Coating, or ... to RTI Metals Inc." Vaughn said, as both of those businesses have moved into shell buildings in the Patriot Centre.

In 2006, a joint subcommittee of the Virginia legislature studying the needs of the manufacturing sector and the future of manufacturing in the commonwealth found disturbing statistics.

Since peaking at 432,500 in 1989, Virginia's manufacturing employment had fallen to 296,600 by June 2004.

The numbers haven't improved since then.

In June, the Virginia Employment Commission reported Virginia's manufacturing employment at 229,100, a more than 20 percent dip in a decade.

Despite those statistics, the outlook for manufacturing in Virginia seems to be improving.

You have to look no further than a recent announcement by China's Shandong Tranlin Paper Co. Ltd., which says it will invest $2 billion in an advanced manufacturing operation in Chesterfield County. It is expected to employ 2,000 workers by the end of the decade.

Sky Valley Foods, a North Carolina-based maker of natural and organic sauces and salad dressings, announced today that it is relocating to Airside Industrial Park in Danville, where the company expects to expand its business and add new product lines.

The new location at 145 Cane Creek Blvd., formerly occupied by Amcor Tobacco Packaging and Shorewood Packaging Corp., will provide added space for expansion.

"This project brings a wonderful addition of new jobs to our region," Mayor Sherman Saunders said." We have a major food processing company just down the street, and now a second food processor joins Nestle in Airside Industrial Park. Sky Valley Foods will be a significant contributor to our local economy, and I welcome them with a hungry appetite."

The company produces salad dressings and specialty sauces, including condiments, marinades, salsa and pasta sauce, for the natural and organic food consumer. Its branded products are Bella's, Organicville, Sky Valley and Simply Delicious.

The Center for Advanced Film Manufacturing offers a renaissance for Martinsville and Henry County, according to local educational leaders.

The center represents a partnership and collaboration between Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC), New College Institute (NCI), Eastman Chemical and Commonwealth Laminating and Coating.

Students who enroll in the program will be able to take a new 28-credit Advanced Film Certification program offered through PHCC; take classes at PHCC and NCI; access equipment at Eastman and Commonwealth Laminating; have potential hands-on internship opportunities; and have a leg-up when seeking employment at area advanced manufacturing facilities.

Kilgour Industries Ltd to invest $27.3 million in first U.S. operation

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Kilgour Industries Ltd, a United Kingdom-based supplier of aircraft airframe and engine machined products will invest $27.3 million in its first U.S. operation in Henry County and create 155 new jobs. Kilgour specializes in computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, wet chemical surface treatments and sub-assemblies of aerospace components. Virginia successfully competed against Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina for the project.

Speaking about today's announcement in Martinsville, Governor McAuliffe said, "Securing an investment of this magnitude and 155 new jobs for a region that is continuing to rebound economically is a tremendous win for Virginia and a major step towards growing and diversifying our economy. This competitive project is another illustration of the Commonwealth's leadership in the aerospace industry. We are thrilled that Henry County will be home to Kilgour Industries' first U.S. operation, which will enable the company to meet increased demands and expand its customer base."

"More than 236 aerospace firms call Virginia home, and today we celebrate the addition of Kilgour Industries to the roster," said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "This high-tech manufacturing company is an excellent fit for Henry County to continue to diversify its economy, and we look forward to Kilgour's future success in the Commonwealth."

Companies, employees and economic development professionals in the Dan River Region have been participating in a workforce readiness pilot program in Virginia since June.

This program would allow the region to be recognized by ACT as a Certified Work Ready Community by helping individuals obtain a National Career Readiness Certificate. ACT is a not-for-profit public trust dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success.

ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate includes four levels — platinum, gold, silver and bronze — that measure cognitive and behavioral abilities critical for on-the-job success. Specific skills that are measured include math, reading comprehension, problem-solving, discipline, teamwork, customer service and managerial potential.

Eastman Chemical Company to expand and add 25 new jobs

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Eastman Chemical Company will invest $40 million over the next three years to expand its manufacturing operation in Henry County. Eastman acquired the site in 2012 and became the leading global manufacturer of window films for the automotive and architectural markets. The company's facility in Henry County is one of the largest and most integrated window and performance-coated film manufacturing sites in the world. The investment in Henry County is expected to create 25 new jobs. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling joined company officials, business and government leaders today on the Governor's behalf to announce the project.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "An investment of this caliber from a major employer in Henry County is significant for Southern Virginia. Eastman's Henry County operations are unique in their ability to take the manufacturing process from raw materials all the way to a finished product. The decision to invest will not only bring new jobs, but will help support the development of innovative, energy-saving product applications to grow Eastman's performance films business. Eastman's commitment is a great testament to the company's long-term success in Virginia.

"For more than 50 years, this film manufacturing plant has been a vital corporation in Henry County," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "The support Eastman Chemical Company receives from the local community, Patrick Henry Community College and the New College Institute is vital to developing a more skilled workforce to support manufacturing. We are confident that with this investment and expansion, Eastman's operation that employs approximately 500 will continue to thrive in Southern Virginia."

Eastman is a global specialty chemical 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 and 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 approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9 billion. The company is based in Kingsport, Tennessee, and employs approximately 14,000 people around the world.

Mark Costa, president of Eastman stated, “Eastman’s investment in Henry County will target specific initiatives and include infrastructure and technology upgrades, warehousing improvements, environmental, safety and reliability enhancements and production capacity expansions to support growth. To enable each of these, Eastman anticipates an increased need for skilled employees. The partnerships with Patrick Henry Community College and New College Institute are critical for successful workforce development.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $75,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $230,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“Henry County is thrilled to have Eastman here and we are excited about the possibilities that today’s announcement represents,” said Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “This is a great day for all of us.”

"Many thanks to the Eastman management team for choosing their Henry County location for a $40 million expansion, creating 25 new advanced manufacturing jobs with above average pay,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, a Commissioner of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and community Revitalization Commission. “This is a win-win. The new capital investment will create new local taxes that will help pay for K-12 education and public safety. But the most important result is that 25 citizens will be hired for advanced jobs with above average pay. These new employees will be able to provide for their families and have a better life. This is the American dream. This is why the Virginia Tobacco Commission invested $230,000 for the project.”

from Virginia.org official news releases