DCC grads machining a future with process that 'will be around forever'

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DCC grads machining a future with process that 'will be around forever'

Article by: Katrina Moses Wilson | Danville Register & Bee

Precision machining — the art of taking something away from a block of metal to create an end product — remains in high demand and Danville Community College graduates are making about $43,000 or more a year as a starting salary in the industry.

Brian Jackson, vice president of workforce services at Danville Community College, said careers in this field include aviation, defense, medical (heart catheters, knee replacement) and automotive where they will manufacture parts.

For example, if an engine in an airplane has had a part that has been worn out or is outdated, airlines may call a machining shop to create that part because that engine part is no longer being built. They will send the specs and the shop will create the items for them using precision machining.

“Precision machining is a process that will be around forever,” Jackson said. “We’re always going to need pieces and parts to be replicated. There will always be a demand.”

In the United States, as labor costs have gone up, machining shops have gone offshore, he said. In Danville, they are trying to bring back advanced technology from China, Thailand, Japan or Korea where labor is inexpensive.

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DEWBERRY’S DAN PLEASANT NAMED BOARD CHAIR OF THE VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

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DEWBERRY’S DAN PLEASANT NAMED BOARD CHAIR OF THE VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Long-time VEDP board member appointed to new role; will help drive economic growth across Virginia.

Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has announced that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dan Pleasant, PE, has been named chair of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) board of directors.

VEDP was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support development and expansion of the Commonwealth’s economy. In his role as board chair, Pleasant will be responsible for overseeing the 17-member board of directors, which works with VEDP staff to develop, implement, and update strategic and marketing plans for the Commonwealth and an operational plan for VEDP.

Pleasant has been with Dewberry for more than 40 years and served in a variety of capacities throughout his career. The firm employs 2,000+ staff across more than 50 offices nationwide. As COO, Pleasant is responsible for Dewberry’s acquisition strategies, including the firm’s two most recent acquisitions, Dewberry | Hydro and Dewberry | Edmonds.

“As a long-time resident of southern Virginia, I have always had a strong interest in supporting our regional clients’ economic development programs,” says Pleasant. “When the opportunity presented itself 10 years ago to be appointed to the VEDP board, I was excited to continue my advocacy for economic development at the state level. In these 10 years, I have seen a lot of changes at VEDP. Today, I am proud to say that the VEDP organization is a high-functioning organization with great leadership. Additionally, we have a very engaged board of directors that supports VEDP’s leadership and advocates for support of the organization and programs that cover the entire state, including rural Virginia, promoting  economic expansion, and maps out successful strategies for businesses to find the resources they need to thrive in Virginia.”

Article from Dewberry

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Staunton River Plastics Breaks Ground on New Facility

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Staunton River Plastics Breaks Ground on New Facility

 PRESS RELEASE FROM PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY: 

Download the full release from Pittsylvania County here: Staunton River Groundbreaking Press Release, July 14, 2021

Staunton River Plastics Breaks Ground on New Facility in Hurt HURT. VIRGINIA – Many local and state elected officials and community leaders joined Staunton River Plastics for a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 250,000-square-foot facility in Hurt. Staunton River Plastics has committed to investing $34 million to build and equip the new facility in Hurt, where more than 200 people will be employed.

“This important project is a testament to why Virginia continues to be recognized as the best place to do business,” said Governor Northam. “It’s great to join Staunton River Plastics to break ground on a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hurt that will bring good-paying, full-time jobs and economic opportunity to the residents of Danville-Pittsylvania County.”

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Virginia Earns Back-to-Back Titles in CNBC Ranking, Remains “America’s Top State for Business”

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Virginia Earns Back-to-Back Titles in CNBC Ranking, Remains “America’s Top State for Business”

Governor Ralph Northam today announced that CNBC, a world leader in business news, has named Virginia as America’s “Top State for Business” in 2021. The Governor joined CNBC at the Port of Virginia for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed following an extensive study of 85 distinct metrics across 10 competitiveness categories. CNBC’s scorecard highlighted the Commonwealth’s education system, workforce, and commitment to equity and inclusion. 

Following the announcement, Governor Northam held a press conference with leaders from the General Assembly to discuss the pragmatic, forward-looking policies that propelled the Commonwealth to reclaim the top spot in 2019 and made Virginia the first state to win back-to-back titles in CNBC’s ranking.

“Virginia continues to be the best place to do business because of our world-class education institutions, talented workforce, and shared commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Governor Northam. “I am proud of what this coveted recognition says about the policies we have put in place and how they are driving growth and innovation across our Commonwealth. Our success is a blueprint for creating a vibrant economic climate in the post-pandemic world—and proves that when you lift everyone up, when you treat people right, and when you celebrate diversity, it’s also good for business.”

With previous wins in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2019, Virginia surpassed Texas for most years as the top state for business since CNBC debuted its ranking in 2007. This year, CNBC adapted its formulas to address the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, with a new focus on areas like health care, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Information about the methodology used by CNBC to determine America’s Top States for Business in 2021 is available here.

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Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill Earns Quest Site Solutions Certification

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Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill Earns Quest Site Solutions Certification

 

 

 

 

Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill receives Quest/McCallum Sweeney Certification

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PRESS RELEASE | DANVILLE, Va., 7/8/2021 – The state’s largest premier megasite has now achieved another certification milestone that will continue to make it more attractive to potential developers. The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill has received the highly coveted Quest (formerly McCallum Sweeney) Megasite / Superpark certification to validate the site’s readiness to companies looking for robust industrial sites. Having received the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Tier 4 Certification in 2018 for the Superpark and the VEDP Tier 5 site certification for the Megasite pad site in 2019, this provides the localities both state and 3rd party engineering firm certifications. Domestic and international companies in major industry sectors seek to build new facilities on sites that are suitable for risk free development. 
 
"Having the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill certified by Quest Site Solutions is another example that the investments we have made in this site are worth it," said Bob Warren, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. "Quest Site Solutions is renowned for its work with transformative projects across the country, and this certification of the Southern Virginia Megasite will help us attract a transformative employer to our region. This designation is yet another validation of the time, energy, and money that has been invested in the site. The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill is truly unique in its infrastructure, site readiness, and access to workforce, and this certification is the latest recognition of the site’s quality.”
 
The Southern Virginia Megasite covers over 3,528 acres and has access to over 300 megawatts of electricity from American Electric Power, more than 5.75 million of gallons per day (MGD) of water, 3 MGD of sewer capacity, natural gas from the Transco Gas Pipeline that runs through the site, Class I rail service from Norfolk and Southern, and Terabyte fiber speeds. It has access to I-785 connecting it to the I-73, I-40 and I-85 corridors and is within 3.5 hours of the Port of Virginia by way of U.S. Highway 58. It is also in proximity to international air flights from the Piedmont Triad and Raleigh Durham International Airports. In addition, it is positioned in a labor shed that includes a half million employees and a population of over a million people with a workforce pipeline that extends from middle school through higher ed providing an array of certified skills and training to meet the skills of manufacturers.
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Economic Development site location site certification Southern Virginia southern virginia megasite
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Commercial truck, van floor manufacturer to build $12.8M plant in Patrick County Prolam LLC will create 58 jobs at new facility

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Commercial truck, van floor manufacturer to build $12.8M plant in Patrick County Prolam LLC will create 58 jobs at new facility

 

  Prolam LLC, a Canadian manufacturer of hardwood floors for commercial trucks and dry van trailers, will invest $12.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing plant at the former Ten Oaks satellite facility in Patrick County, creating 58 jobs, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday.

The facility will increase Prolam’s manufacturing capacity by 50%, and the company has committed to source at least 65% of its timber from Virginia through the purchase of more than $20.5 million in Virginia-grown hardwoods during the next three years.

“This project is a great win for Virginia’s hardwood loggers and forestland owners,” Northam said in a statement. “Forestry continues to be an important pillar of communities across the commonwealth because industry leaders recognize the benefits of our abundant natural resources, extensive transportation network and unparalleled workforce. We thank Prolam for locating its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Southern Virginia and look forward to a long partnership with the company.”

Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Prolam supplies major U.S. trailer manufacturers.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Patrick County and the Patrick County Economic Development Authority to secure the project. Northam approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Patrick County will match with local funds. Funding and services to support the company’s job creation will be provided through VEDP’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

View the full press release here: Governor's Press Release

Source: Virginia Business

Other Media Mentions: 

 

WFXRTV

The Enterprise

WSET

Greensboro News & Record
Augusta Free Press  Martinsville Bulletin

 

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45 jobs, $6.4 million in investment coming as UK manufacturer brings operation to Dan River Region

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45 jobs, $6.4 million in investment coming as UK manufacturer brings operation to Dan River Region
 

A maker of plastic and metal components is coming to the Dan River Region, bringing 45 jobs and $6.4 million in investment to the Cyber Park, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday afternoon.

MEP Ltd., based in the United Kingdom, will operate as Making Everything Possible LLC at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research while its new facility is being built at the Cyber Park.

The company makes plastic and metal components for the aerospace and defense sectors.

Virginia competed with North Carolina for the project. This marks the second economic development announcement for the region in less than a week. On Thursday, Northam revealed that Walraven Inc. will relocate its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation from Cadillac, Michigan, to Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park in Ringgold in the current Unison facility. That global installation company is expected bringing 46 jobs and $7.15 million in investment.

“Virginia’s manufacturing industry is large and diverse, and we are excited to partner with MEP Ltd. as the company opens its first U.S. operation in the Commonwealth,” Northam said in a prepared statement Monday. “Danville-Pittsylvania County has developed an inventory of business-ready sites and training programs to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled workers, enabling Southern Virginia to attract global businesses like MEP.”

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Global installation company relocating U.S. headquarters from Michigan to Danville-Pittsylvania

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Global installation company relocating U.S. headquarters from Michigan to Danville-Pittsylvania

Gov. Ralph Northam today announced that Walraven, Inc., a global installation company, will invest $7.15 million to relocate its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operation from Cadillac, Michigan, to Danville-Pittsylvania County.

The company will occupy the Cane Creek Shell Building in Cane Creek Centre, a joint industrial park for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. Virginia successfully competed with Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee for the project, which will create 46 new jobs. Gov. Northam also met with the company CEO in Frankfurt, Germany during his international marketing mission to Europe last month.

“Walraven is a global giant in the installation systems industry and the company’s decision to relocate to Danville-Pittsylvania County is a testament to our world-class business environment,” said Northam. “This announcement further demonstrates the strength of Southern Virginia’s economic assets and its commitment to infrastructure, education, and building the workforce of the future. We thank Walraven for choosing the Commonwealth and look forward to a successful partnership.”

 

Walraven, Inc. is part of the Walraven group of companies, which is a family-owned, global market leader of value-added installation systems for mechanical, plumbing, fire, seismic, and electrical industries and applications. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Walraven manufactures its products in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey, China, India, Dubai, Canada and the United States, and sells its high-quality products globally.

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City of Danville Pittsylvania County Economic Development Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Southern Virginia
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AeroFarms Breaks Ground on World’s Largest and Most Technologically Advanced Aeroponic Indoor Vertical Farm

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AeroFarms Breaks Ground on World’s Largest and Most Technologically Advanced Aeroponic Indoor Vertical Farm

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that AeroFarms will invest $53 million to build an indoor vertical farm in Cane Creek Centre, a joint industrial park for the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

AeroFarms uses proprietary aeroponic growing technology to produce highly flavorful leafy greens at a rate 390-times more productive than field-grown plants.

"AeroFarms fits perfectly in this region because agriculture has been our number one industry forever," said Bob Warren, the chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.

The farm will bring 92 new jobs to the area.

"This is a project that is incredibly simple," said Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones. "It's got food. It's got jobs. It makes use of a great location. And from Danville to Richmond and beyond, we worked together to make it happen."

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Danville Utilities Receives National Recognition

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Danville Utilities has earned a “Platinum” level designation as a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3®) from the American Public Power Association for providing customers with reliable and safe electric service.

 The “Platinum” level is the second highest a public power entity can achieve. Danville Utilities has received the RP3 designation multiple times, but this year is the first time it has reached the “Platinum” level.

“I think over the last year or so, we’ve seen the vital importance of running a reliable and safe utility,” says Aaron Haderle, chair of APPA’s RP3 Review Panel and manager of transmission and distribution operations at ‎the Kissimmee Utility Authority in Kissimmee, Fla. “The utilities receiving the RP3 designation have proven that they are committed to running a top-notch public power utility by implementing industry best practices.” 

The RP3 designation recognizes public power utilities that demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

Criteria include sound business practices and a utility-wide commitment to safe and reliable delivery of electricity. 

Danville Utilities will retain the RP3 designation for three years. Of the 2,000 public power communities in the nation, Danville Utilities is one of only 275 utilities that hold the RP3 designation.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be honored with this designation,” said Jason Grey, director of Danville Utilities. “This is the culmination of a lot of work from a lot of people who really care about powering our community. But this designation is not a final destination. We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve our operations and service to our customers.”

The American Public Power Association has offered the RP3 designation for 15 years now. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.

Danville Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services in Danville and distributes electricity to approximately 42,000 customer locations in a 500-square-mile service territory covering Danville, the southern third of Pittsylvania County, and small portions of Henry and Halifax counties. 

From DanvilleVA.gov

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