Governor Gilmore announces 125 new jobs for the Alleghany Highlands
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that LKM Industries will locate a $7 million manufacturing facility in Alleghany County, employing up to 125 Virginians over the next three years. Virginia successfully competed with Tennessee and North Carolina for the project.
"This opportunity for LKM Industries to locate in Virginia illustrates the strategic location of the Alleghany Highlands as a transportation crossroads," said Governor Gilmore. "With nearby air, rail and interstate infrastructure, LKM Industries can readily meet the needs of its growing customer base."
Headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, LKM Industries specializes in precision machining and fabrication. In addition to aerospace manufacturers, LKM serves commercial markets including manufacturers of air conditioning chillers, power generation and commuter rail equipment. The Alleghany County plant will manufacture commercial chiller components for large air condition units. LKM's major customers on the East Coast include Carrier, York and McQuay.
"We began our search with over 30 communities in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina," said Don Pitman, President of LKM Industries. "It was the Alleghany Highlands, however, that demonstrated resounding community support for our long-term corporate growth. Alleghany County, Virginia is perfect because three of our major customers are within easy trucking distance of the new Alleghany Regional Commerce Center, in addition to an impressive workforce that we look forward to accessing."
Governor Gilmore approved a grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund worth $250,000 to assist Alleghany County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority, The Alleghany Foundation, Alleghany County, and the Virginia Employment Commission assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
"This decision represents a major economic development win for the Alleghany Highlands region," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "This location will allow LKM to grow and prosper while many Virginians gain quality jobs."
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