Governor McAuliffe Announces 155 New Jobs for Henry County

English: The state seal of Virginia.. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~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.”

            Kilgour Industries, a family-owned company established in 1966 in the United Kingdom, supplies aircraft airframe and engine machined products in aluminum, steel and titanium to the major aerospace original equipment manufacturers. Kilgour’s mission is to be the market leader in precision engineering and treatments for the aerospace industry.

            “On my initial visit to Martinsville-Henry County, I was pleasantly surprised by the manner in which business was conducted,” said Chief Executive Officer Ray Kilgour. “From the existing industry we met, the educational and training programs in the area, and the responsiveness of the economic development officials, we knew Martinsville-Henry County was a community that supports advanced manufacturing and a community in which we would be welcomed.”

            The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project.The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $1.15 million 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. Additionally, through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s retraining activities.

            “This is a tremendous day for the citizens of Henry County and Martinsville,” said H.G. Vaughn, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “Today’s announcement with Kilgour allows us to expand our international presence, bring in a partner in a growing industry sector, and provide 21^st Century job opportunities for our citizens. We are thrilled.”

            “The Virginia Tobacco Commission’s goal is to help bring jobs and prosperity to the Commission's footprint,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, a Commissioner of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are very excited to be a part of helping to bring Kilgour Industries to Henry County. The addition of 155 new high paying jobs and a $27.3 million investment is why the Tobacco Commission invested $1.15 million to help with this project. Thank you to the management of Kilgour Industries for choosing Henry County.” 

“The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing is extremely pleased to welcome Kilgour Industries to Virginia, which is leading the way in the region’s technology research and development,” said Armand F. Lauzon, Jr., Chairman. “Kilgour will benefit from Virginia’s elected leadership and economic leaders, all of whom understand the needs of business today. The CCAM member companies, which operate in aerospace, defense, electronics, and many other industries, celebrate Kilgour as an important new member of Virginia’s business community.” 

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Telos Corporation to Create 160 New Virginia Jobs
• Governor McDonnell Announces 25 New Jobs in Henry County
• Governor McAuliffe Announces More Than $1 Million in Farmland Preservation Grants
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Two Appointments to ABC Board and Reappointment of 17 Agency Heads
• Governor McAuliffe Announces $21.3 Million Investment in City of Lynchburg
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on McDonnell Indictment

Governor McDonnell Announces $40 Million Investment in Henry County

 Governor of Virginia  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Eastman Chemical Company to expand and add 25 new jobs~

RICHMOND – 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.

            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.”