News release by the River District Association

Main Street America announced today that River District Association (RDA) in Danville has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2023 GAMSA designations, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Mass.

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, River District Association is being recognized for creating a fertile environment for economic vitality through exceptionally strong collaborative leadership and partnerships.

“River District Association demonstrates that a strong organizational foundation based on an ethos of collaboration and strategy leads to transformative change,” said Main Street America Interim President and CEO, Hannah White. “Their tireless efforts to build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders to inform and realize a holistic economic development approach has created an entrepreneurial ecosystem for the downtown and its surrounding region.”

Global electronics manufacturing services leader to invest total of $18 million to expand manufacturing operation in the City of Danville and U.S. headquarters in Loudoun County

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Germany-based Zollner Elektronik AG, one of the world’s largest manufacturing service providers for electronic and mechatronic components, will invest a combined $18 million to expand in Virginia, growing its market presence in the U.S. and creating 100 new jobs.

VEDP assisted and Governor Youngkin approved the company acquired Electronic Instrumentation and Technology’s (EIT) Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) division in July 2022, which included locations in the City of Danville and Loudoun County. Zollner will invest $14 million to expand its manufacturing operations in the Danville-Pittsylvania County Regional Industrial Facility Authority-owned Cyber Park to develop custom electronic products for clients using proprietary technology, which will create 80 new jobs. The company will also expand its U.S. headquarters facility in Loudoun County through an additional $4 million investment, creating 20 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and West Virginia for the projects.

“Zollner Elektronik’s decision to increase its market reach with the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Danville and U.S. headquarters in Loudoun County demonstrates the strength of our business climate and workforce that benefits diverse industries and locations across Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “EIT has a long history of success in the Commonwealth, and we look forward to building on that partnership with Zollner in the years to come.”

 “This great expansion is a win for two regions of the Commonwealth as well as our corporate services and manufacturing sectors,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We are excited to support Zollner Elektronik’s overall growth in Virginia as the company increases production in the City of Danville and expands its U.S. headquarters in Loudoun, creating a total of 100 new jobs for hardworking Virginians. A number of these jobs are now open—interested applicants can visit www.eitcareers.com and apply for job openings at both locations.”

 “Since EIT was founded in 1977, we have had a great deal of support from the Commonwealth of Virginia and local government agencies in helping us grow and prosper. The acquisition by Zollner AG will give us the advantages of a global company while being able to maintain our Virginia presence. Our locations in Leesburg and Danville have workforce availability and are supported by complete transportation systems, so we look forward to continued growth through the acquisition by Zollner,” said David Faliskie, President/Chief Executive Officer of EIT-Zollner.

“Our existing industries are a vital component of this region’s economic success, and Zollner Elektronik’s acquisition and expansion of this facility is an economic win for our area,” said Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones. “On behalf of the citizens of the City of Danville, I wish to thank Zollner Elektronik for the investment it will be making to increase its capacity here and the jobs it will be creating. Once again, that says so much about the quality and character of our community. We enthusiastically wish them continued success and growth.”

“I am thrilled that Zollner Electronik, a proven leader in the manufacturing service providers for electronics, is investing in Danville and Pittsylvania County, creating great jobs for our residents, strengthening our industrial base, and contributing to the overall growth of our region,” said Darrell Dalton, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “Zollner choosing to expand its existing operations here in the Cyber Park is a great testament to the company’s strong business results in the Dan River Region so far and the positive business climate we have developed, and it is also a show of faith that Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville can effectively support this growth. Congratulations, Zollner!”

“I am beyond pleased to have Zollner Elektronic in our region. Their investment and expansion, to include 80 new jobs, will make a great economic fixture in our community even greater,” said Lee Vogler, Chairman of the Danville Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority (RIFA). “Over the last few years, a great comeback has been happening in Danville-Pittsylvania County. Today is another chapter in that comeback story. Danville-Pittsylvania County is blessed to have companies from across the globe represented in our region, and I am thrilled that we can add Germany to that growing list.”

“Zollner’s investment in EIT is an example of two dynamic electronic manufacturing and service companies linking the excellence of strong manufacturing and R&D operations in Virginia with world-renowned capabilities of an international company who is known for high-quality components sold around the world,” said Linda Green, Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “EIT has been a strong player in Virginia’s electronics industry with research and innovation that led to breakthrough technologies for a quarter of a century. During this time, they have worked closely with Zollner, a company that has grown to become one of the top 15 EMS service providers in the world over the past five decades. Zollner’s investment in EIT will increase the Virginia workforce and facilities and, even more importantly, will provide access to an extended customer base to ensure the success of the operations for future generations.”

“We are quite pleased that Zollner Elektronik has chosen Virginia and Loudoun County for their U.S. headquarters expansion and manufacturing operation. EIT has long been a LoudounPossible success story, and under the ownership of Zollner Elektronik I am sure their business will continue to thrive,” said Board of Supervisors Chair at Large Phyllis J. Randall. “Loudoun's world-class workforce, our pro-business environment, and our commitment to innovation continues to create opportunities for businesses across the country and across the world.”

 “The great City of Danville has proven over and over again how a collaborative effort between private and public interests can lead the way in economic revitalization in Southside Virginia,” said Senator Bill Stanley. “This announcement from Zollner Electronik is a clear indicator of the rebirth of manufacturing in our region in the 21^stcentury. We are extremely grateful for the trust this excellent company has placed in the workers of Pittsylvania County and Danville for its future business, and they can be assured that their decision to locate in our area is a great one.”

“We enthusiastically welcome Zollner Elektronik AG to our region and are very happy they have chosen to be in Virginia and to expand the footprint started by EIT,” said Delegate Danny Marshall. “As one of the world's largest service providers for electronic and mecatronic components, Zollner will be able to access the workforce and local training already available. The $14 million investment and 80 new jobs are great news for our economy and the families of this area. We look forward to a very successful economic and community partnership.” 

“I am so happy to welcome Zollner Elektronik to Loudoun County, Virginia, and thrilled they have chosen to invest and do business in the Commonwealth,” said Senator John J. Bell. “The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program was designed for partners like Zollner Elektronik. The Virginia workforce is a superior, world-class workforce and I have no doubt the partnership with Zollner Elektronik will be long and prosperous for all parties.”

Zollner Elektronik AG is the market leader in Europe’s EMS sector. A family-owned company with headquarters in Zandt, Germany, it was founded in 1965 and has grown to become a global player with over 12,000 employees and 20 locations around the globe. Its Electronics Manufacturing Service provides the complete product life cycle: Research & Development, Consultation, Production, Supply Chain Management, and After-Sales Service. Among its customers, which come from nine different industries, are top global corporations as well as small-and medium-sized companies. Through continuous organic growth, Zollner has established itself worldwide as one of the top 15 EMS providers.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, and Loudoun County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $360,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Danville with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Support for Zollner Elektronik AG’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

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Article from Virginia Business Magazine

Written by Elizabeth Cooper

Southern Virginia is laying out the welcome mat for a growing number of companies seeking to locate in areas with lower taxes, better proximity to supply chains, a skilled workforce and improved quality of life.

During 2022, a variety of businesses, ranging from an automotive education and entertainment firm to a moving and transit company, announced plans to move into or expand in the region. Local economic development officials attribute the burgeoning commercial growth to the region’s investments in shovel-ready industrial parks and workforce training programs, as well as teamwork to promote Southern Virginia and respond to business needs.

Southern Virginia is the land of the dreamers and the doers; and the Southern Virginia Megasite is ready to grow, ready to build, ready to work, and ready for you.

The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill is ready to go, and Southern Virginia is ready to work.

Source: DiscoverDanville

Engineered BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. to invest $6.1 million to establish a standalone facility in Danville, creating 34 new jobs

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Engineered BioPharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to advancing cost effective, state-of-the-art medicine, will invest $6.1 million to expand in the City of Danville. The company will expand from its current lab space in the Dan River Business Development Center into its first standalone manufacturing facility at 1 Ecomnets Way. The new facility will allow for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of the company’s innovative oral pharmaceutical dosing platforms, designed to enhance patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy. Virginia successfully competed with California, New York, and Texas for the project, which will create 34 new jobs.

“Thanks to innovators like Engineered Biopharmaceuticals, our Commonwealth is advancing as a hub for cutting-edge technology and research in the life sciences industry,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The company’s start in a Virginia business incubator shines a spotlight on the importance of fostering an environment that supports start-ups and small businesses. I commend the region’s forward-thinking economic development leaders and partners and look forward to Engineered Biopharmaceuticals’ continued success in Danville.”

“Engineered Biopharmaceuticals is an important partner advancing our efforts to produce costeffective, novel medications right here in Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We are proud of the company’s trajectory from its founding at the Dan River Business Development Center to this new manufacturing facility that will infinitely expand its capabilities and reach while adding 34 high-quality jobs in the City of Danville, which continues to offer the right resources and talent.”

“The company chose to expand in Virginia due to the Commonwealth’s overall business-friendly environment and its preeminent biotechnology presence,” said Engineered BioPharmaceuticals CEO Carl Sahi. “We also found Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville to be an ideal location because of their people, their economic development efforts, and their support and commitment to workforce development.”

Apex Mills to invest $3.1 million to expand East Coast presence, retaining 96 jobs and creating 44 new jobs in Patrick County

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Apex Mills, a specialty supplier and manufacturer of warp knit fabrics geared towards industrial and technical applications, will invest $3.1 million to expand its East Coast presence by acquiring the former HanesBrands facility and its equipment in Patrick County. The company will fulfill contracts for the Hanes basic apparel brand and maximize the full capacity of the facility. Virginia successfully competed with Pennsylvania for the project, which will retain 96 jobs and create 44 new jobs.

“We want made in America to mean made in Virginia and we are proud that this American-made textile company will expand its U.S. footprint by establishing an East Coast facility in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Specialty textile manufacturing has long been a core component of the economy in many regions across the Commonwealth, and we thank Apex Mills for keeping the HanesBrands facility in operation, retaining nearly 100 jobs and creating an additional 44 jobs for hardworking Virginians.”

Pittsylvania County officials and community leaders joined Amthor International representatives to celebrate the Company’s $30 million capital plan announcement, which includes the construction of a new 33,000-square-foot facility in the Gretna Industrial Park. The nation’s largest manufacturer of truck-mounted tanks, Amthor International is investing over $4 million and creating 60 new jobs with this new standalone facility. Additional equipment investments are being made in the existing plant in order to meet a robust pipeline of received orders.

A fourth-generation family-owned company, Amthor International manufactures truck-mounted tanks, including uses for refined fuel, propane, mining, vacuum and septic, portable restroom, water, well-drilling, and construction industries. Amthor International has been in Gretna, VA since 1992, and with this third expansion, will employ over 200 people. Their second expansion in 2018 resulted in the Company relocating its corporate headquarters to the Gretna plant while investing over $2.5 million at the existing plant and announcing the creation of 90 new positions over the next five years, many of which are actively being recruited.

“It is always exciting when existing Pittsylvania County businesses choose to continue investing in our community by expanding their operations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Vic Ingram. “The Board of Supervisors is thrilled that Amthor International has found success in Gretna and has decided to build upon that success. Congratulations to Amthor, and congratulations to the 60 new employees that the company will now employ!”

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced more than $24.7 million in 20 Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grants. IRF grants provide gap financing for construction projects aligned with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in distressed communities. 

“The transformation of older, vacant or blighted structures into productive, usable spaces is crucial to catalyzing economic growth to create thriving communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The Industrial Revitalization Fund continues to be an important resource for those redevelopment efforts, spurring regional partnerships, economic development and job growth across the Commonwealth.”

Automotive education and entertainment company to invest $8.9 million, created 24 jobs in Halifax County

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced Skip Barber Racing School, the world's largest automotive education and entertainment company offering driving and racing schools at the finest tracks in America, will invest $8.9 million to relocate its headquarters from Lakeville, Connecticut, and establish a performance driving school at the VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) in Halifax County. VIR will construct a 25,000-square-foot facility within the Motorsport Technology Park to lease to Skip Barber Racing School for the operation. Virginia successfully competed with California and Texas for the project, which will create 24 new jobs.

“We are proud to welcome Skip Barber Racing School to the Commonwealth, adding another corporate headquarters operation to our growing roster,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “VIRginia International Raceway is an invaluable employer in Halifax County, a tourism and economic development driver in Southern Virginia, and a top road course in the nation. These assets helped attract Skip Barber, and we look forward to supporting the company as it boosts the Commonwealth’s growing auto racing industry and creates new, high-paying jobs.”

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, will invest $37 million to expand its operation in Halifax County. The company will add 26,000 square feet to its facility for a new production line for the manufacture of larger transformers specifically to support the utility and renewable energy markets, which will create 165 new jobs.

“Hitachi Energy’s ambitious expansion in Halifax County represents a strong commitment and tremendous vote of confidence in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a great place to do business,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Hitachi Energy has been an important, long-standing employer in Southern Virginia for nearly 50 years, and we are thrilled the company will create additional good-paying jobs in the community.”

“Hitachi Energy’s decision to reinvest in its Halifax County facility is a testament to Southern Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce and integrated transportation network that allows the company to extend its market reach,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “We look forward to a continued partnership with this expansion, which further secures the future longevity of Hitachi Energy in the Commonwealth.”

Steve McKinney, Senior VP and Head of Hitachi Energy’s Transformer Business in North America, said, “Hitachi Energy welcomes the support of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Halifax County for the expansion of our facility in South Boston. This expansion will help us address the growing demand for transformers from customers including utilities, renewable energy developers, and more. Southern Virginia has been and continues to be a great place for us to do business.”

“Hitachi Energy is an excellent corporate citizen,” said Rick Short, Chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors. “Their decision to expand comes with the full support of Halifax County.” 

Rick Harrell, Chair of the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority, stated, “Existing business and industry is the number one priority of the IDA. We are proud to be able to support Hitachi Energy’s continued growth in Halifax County.”