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Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Albany Industries Inc. will invest $2.5 million to establish its first Virginia operation in the City of Galax. The company, which manufactures upholstered household furniture, will create 335 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Albany Industries’ decision to expand its production capabilities to Virginia is tremendous news for the City of Galax and the surrounding region. This project brings 335 new jobs to a city of 7,000 people in a region that has been hard hit by this tough economy. In addition, the company will revitalize a vacant property that formerly served as the B.C. Vaughan manufacturing facility and meets infrastructure needs. Albany Industries will fit perfectly into the furniture industry niche that thrives in that part of Virginia, and I welcome the company to the Commonwealth. I want to specifically thank Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for his successful effort to help secure this project. Today’s announcement is the kind of major job-creating investment in the Commonwealth that we are working tirelessly everyday to secure for communities in every region of the state.”
“I am delighted that our friends from Albany Industries have decided to locate their new manufacturing facility in Galax,” said Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. “Not only will this project create 335 new jobs for the region, but it will help revitalize a facility that has been closed for the past few years and show that Virginia is a great home for manufacturing operations such as this. In particular, I want to congratulate our local partners who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. I was delighted to play a role in helping close this deal and I look forward to more announcements like this in the Galax area.”
“With this project Albany Industries will create a significant number of new jobs for a community that offers an employee base to fill them,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “In addition to the trained workforce, the company found an available facility that fits its needs for furniture manufacturing. This is a win-win situation for both the company and the City of Galax, and I am confident in Albany Industries’ future success in Virginia.”
Headquartered in New Albany, Mississippi, Albany Industries Inc. was founded in 1995 and production began with 15 employees in a 10,000-square-foot building. Since then the company has grown from those 15 employees to an operation employing more than 450 people in a modern 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. In 2009, the ESOP trust acquired 100% of the stock of Albany Industries, Inc. for the benefit of its current and future employees. As employee/owners the company uses innovative manufacturing procedures to deliver a stylish range of upholstered products, with an emphasis on quality, comfort, and value.
“Galax is an ideal location for us to serve our Northeast markets,” said Richie McLarty, President of Albany Industries.” This is a pro-business community with a workforce that's a perfect match for our needs. We appreciate the assistance from the Commonwealth, the City of Galax, and Virginia's aCorridor in making this project a reality.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City Council of Galax and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Delegate Bill Carrico also assisted with the project. Governor McDonnell approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Galax with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $680,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities.
“Albany Industries’ decision to place this operation in Galax is exciting news,” said Galax Mayor C.M. Mitchell. “The addition of 335 jobs shows their confidence in the ability of our workforce to produce an excellent product. This is a great company, and we look forward to their success in our community.”
“This is great news for the City of Galax, Grayson County and Carroll County,” said Senator Roscoe Reynolds, a Commissioner of The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “I am really glad that the Tobacco Commission was able to play a role in attracting this business to our area.”
“I am extremely pleased that Albany Industries made the decision to expand their operation to Southwest Virginia,” said Delegate Bill Carrico. “Obviously, this is a big deal for the citizens of Galax and the Twin Counties. Today’s announcement is an example of what can be accomplished when dedicated state and local officials work together towards a common goal.”
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