Governor Allen Announces 96 New Jobs, $10 Million Investment
Smyth County - Governor George Allen today announced that Marley Mouldings, Inc., will expand its facility in Smyth County, creating 96 new jobs for Southwest Virginians. Secretary of Commerce and Trade Robert T. Skunda attended the announcement today on behalf of Governor Allen. Virginia successfully competed with Texas for the expansion, which will occur in two phases. Phase I will consist of a $5.5 million investment to be completed by the end of 1997. Phase II is expected to be completed by December 1998, and will represent an additional $4.5 million investment.
"Marley Mouldings' decision to further invest and expand in Smyth County is a strong vote of confidence in Southwest Virginia's quality workforce," said Governor Allen. "The additional $10 million investment from this fine corporate citizen is indeed evidence that Southwest Virginia is open for business."
Marley Mouldings is a subsidiary of Marley PLC which is based in Seven Oaks, England. The company manufactures window components, picture frame and house moldings for the building supply industry. Using an extrusion process, pre-finished plastic moldings are produced to resemble a wood-like appearance, yet the products maintain the ease of a vinyl molding. Marley Mouldings plans to install up to thirty additional extrusion lines over the next two-and-a-half years at the Smyth County facility. The company also plans to construct a new building adjacent to the existing structure to accommodate new equipment.
"We are committed to Virginia's pro-business climate," said Gary Peacock, vice president of operations for Marley Mouldings. "The people of Smyth County have displayed a strong work ethic, and together, we hope to boost the economy in this region."
Governor Allen approved a $100,000 Governor's Opportunity Fund grant for Smyth County to assist the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Smyth County Industrial Development Authority assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
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