RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Barber & Ross Company will expand and relocate its Leesburg, Virginia headquarters and manufacturing operation to a larger facility in Frederick County. The company’s decision creates 100 new jobs and saves 375 existing Virginia jobs, which will be relocated to the new, 250,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility on 25 acres in Frederick County. The company will also invest $13 million in real estate and equipment. Virginia successfully competed with West Virginia for the project.
“I am pleased that the Commonwealth was able to assist this valuable company at a critical time in its history, allowing 375 Virginians to keep their jobs,” said Governor Warner. “The expansion and 100 new jobs prove that our existing companies are a key ingredient to the state’s economic development success. I am pleased to announce Barber & Ross’ continued growth and strong commitment to Virginia.”
Virginia-based Barber & Ross Company is a national builder-direct, full-service manufacturer of windows, pre-hung interior and exterior doors, mouldings, and custom millwork products. Established in 1876, the company began as a comprehensive building materials and tool supplier. Today, Barber & Ross employs more than 650 people, with 375 employees currently located in Leesburg, Virginia. Construction on the Frederick County facility is scheduled to begin in October 2003.
“We are very pleased to be maintaining our headquarters and largest plant in Virginia,” said Barber & Ross President Jim Guiliano. “Virginia’s business-friendly environment, the availability of suitable sites, the proximity to our customers, and workforce availability were all factors in selecting to expand in Frederick County. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the Town of Leesburg, particularly Mayor Kristen Umstattd, to retain Barber & Ross; but in the end, we felt that Frederick County was more suited to our long-range needs.”
Governor Warner approved a $125,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Frederick County with the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Frederick County and the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission assisted Barber & Ross with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“Frederick County is delighted to collaborate with the Town of Leesburg in
retaining Barber & Ross for the Commonwealth,” said Richard Shickle, Chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. “Having a growing company, like Barber & Ross, approach Frederick County for their new location speaks volumes about our community's business climate.”