IDM will create 25 new jobs; Second announcement in Tazewell in the past two weeks

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Innovative Design & Machine Inc. (IDM) will add a facility in Tazewell County, creating up to 50 jobs by the year 2001. Headquartered in Salem, the Virginia-based manufacturer selected Tazewell County after considering several locations in West Virginia and the Carolinas.

"Today I welcome IDM to Tazewell County," said Governor Gilmore. "When a respected existing company decides to expand their operations in Virginia, it is the best compliment our state can receive. IDM will grow and prosper in Southwest Virginia while creating quality jobs for our citizens."

IDM is a manufacturer of machine tools for tire manufacturers across the nation. The company will occupy the former Payne Equipment Company building on Route 460. Jobs at the new facility will pay from $8 to $16 per hour depending on experience.

"We chose Tazewell because we found that there are many skilled workers here with a strong work ethic," said Jim Watts, president of IDM. "Tazewell's strategic location is excellent for our facility, and the beauty of the area is incomparable."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Tazewell County assisted IDM with its decision. This is the second announcement in as many weeks of a new business locating in Tazewell County. SpanDeck Inc., of Franklin, Tennessee, began operations last week in a temporary facility.

# # #

Press Contact(s)

Lila White
www.thedigitaldominion.com
(804) 692-3110
Jill Vaughan
VEDP
(804) 371-0049