Key Companies in New River Valley

Volvo Trucks North America, Pulaski County

Volvo Trucks North America, Pulaski County

Regional Highlights

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the New River Valley consists of four counties (Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski) and the City of Radford. The region has a population of over 180,000 and combines with the surrounding labor area to offer an impressive workforce estimated at 395,000.

Virginia's Smaller Metros Prove Fertile Ground for Tech Headquarters

While Virginia's larger metro areas along Interstates 95 and 64 have been recognized as technology hubs, the Commonwealth’s smaller metros are leveraging their unique strengths to create their own tech clusters. Modea plans to nearly double its workforce in 2022. Another area headquarters, autonomous vehicle manufacturer Torc Robotics, announced an $8.5 million expansion in 2020 that will create 350 new jobs in Montgomery County near Blacksburg, while mobile software developer Ozmo announced an expansion in 2019.

 

Read more in Virginia Economic Review

 

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Torc Robotics, Montgomery County

Location

Virginia's New River Valley is located in southwestern Virginia in the midst of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and bordered on the northwest by West Virginia. With Interstate 81 passing through the region and Interstate 77 just to the south, the area is strategically accessible to Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest markets.

New River Valley
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NanoSonic, Inc., Giles County

  • The region offers easy access to I-81 and I-77, as well as other main interstates including I-64.
  • I-81 is the longest interstate in Virginia and rated one of the top eight truck routes in the U.S.
  • I-77, just 3 miles south, connects the eastern Great Lakes region with Appalachia and the Southeast.
  • Freight rail service is provided by Norfolk Southern, offering a wide range of reliable and efficient shipping options.
  • Passenger rail service provided by Amtrak is available from Roanoke (30 miles).
  • The Virginia TradePort is located at the New River Valley Airport, and The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is 291 miles east
  • The New River Valley Airport (PSK) and the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport (BCB) provide general aviation services, and commercial air service is available from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA). The ROA is a convenient 45 minutes (43.9 mi) from the New River Valley region and it is served by four airlines with approximately 40 arriving and departing flights per day and nonstop service to eight cities, as well as frequent connecting service. 
1901 Group, Montgomery County

1901 Group, Montgomery County

Case Study - 1901 Group Expands Footprint with Third Virginia Location

Already committed to a major joint expansion in Montgomery and Fairfax Counties, with a combined capital investment of $4 million and a total of 805 new jobs, this leading IT company plans to create 225 jobs at the corporate offices in Fairfax County by 2021 and grow its Enterprise IT Operations Center in Blacksburg, in the New River Valley region, by 580 new jobs.

A Hot Spot for International Manufacturing

A large percentage of the region’s 182,000 residents are between 18 and 24 and contribute to the pipeline of talent for area companies. That pipeline has proven to be a powerful lure for a diverse number of international manufacturers.

KORONA Candles, Pulaski County

KORONA Candles, Pulaski County

Oransi selected the location [City of Radford] because of the exceptional local engineering talent pool that will support our continued growth.

Peter Mann CEO and Founder, Oransi
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Radford University

Talent Development

The New River Valley is home to Virginia Tech, one of the Commonwealth’s largest universities and a leading research center, as well as Radford University and New River Community College. These institutions contribute a steady pipeline of talent for area companies, strengthening the New River Valley’s target industry clusters of advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, IT, and unmanned systems. The region’s high-quality employment and unmatched educational opportunities are complemented by its cultural and social offerings and ample recreation options for the outdoor enthusiast.

Virginia Tech College of Engineering

The Department of Computer Science is part of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech. Founded in 1970, the department has an energetic and engaged faculty of 52 tenured, tenure-track, and teaching faculty members. The department enrolls over 900 undergraduate majors and over 250 graduate students. During academic year 2018-19, the College awarded 300 BS degrees, 52 MS degrees, and 21 PhDs.

Virginia Tech Transportation Institute

The Virginia Smart Roads are state-of-the-art, closed test-bed research facilities managed by VTTI in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Smart Road became one of the world’s most advanced testing facilities for transportation technology and safety research, with more than 30,000 hours of research conducted on the road since its opening.

Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation is one of the top programs in natural resource management in the U.S. From protected areas management and economic policy to forest soil productivity, urbanization, and genomics, we seek to discover new knowledge and technology to address the global challenges to come.

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Living in the New River Valley

Virginia’s New River Valley offers magnificent mountains, an eclectic small-town vibe, arts and culture, and a business-friendly, academically enriched environment. All localities have bustling downtown areas, giving each town center an atmosphere of micro-urban living, and the beautiful outdoor landscape and local colleges and universities attract those searching for an affordable, dynamic location.

Rich in natural resources, outdoor activities, and breathtaking views, the region has something for everyone. Located at an elevation ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 feet above sea level, the New River Valley is the perfect setting to live an active lifestyle. From hiking in Jefferson National Forest and mountain biking around Pandapas Pond to lounging by the river in Bisset Park, there are ample opportunities for recreation.

With the influential presence of major universities, four major hospitals providing full health care services, and an abundance of culture and lifestyle amenities, the New River Valley is an inspiring place to live and do business.

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Floyd Country Store, Floyd County

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New River, Giles County

Floyd Fest, Floyd County

Floyd Fest, Floyd County