RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Alderman Railcar Services, Inc. will invest $3.5 million to open a repair and fabrication shop for the railcar industry in Charlotte County Industrial Park in Keysville. The project will create 110 new jobs paying an average annual salary of $30,000.

“It is great news that Alderman Railcar Services is making this investment and creating jobs in Charlotte County,” Governor Kaine said. “The company offers above-average salaries with benefits, and will serve an important role in the Southside economy.”

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of five new companies into the Accessing International Markets (AIM) export development program. The program, launched by VEDP in December 2005, introduces companies across Virginia to new global business opportunities. Based on a competitive quarterly application process, 20 companies will be accepted into the AIM program each year.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that H2Gen Innovations, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen generators and gas purification plants, will expand its production capacity in Alexandria to meet robust new sales orders. The project will create 50 new jobs.

“H2Gen Innovations is an impressive Virginia company that is on the cutting edge of alternative energy production,” said Governor Kaine. “Our nation’s energy concerns remain on the forefront, and supporting the development of technology for the emerging hydrogen economy is key.”

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Capital Group Companies will invest $12 million to expand its American Funds customer service center in Chesapeake, creating 250 new jobs. The Capital Group is one of the largest investment management firms in the world, managing investments for mutual fund investors, institutions and high net-worth individuals. The Chesapeake center provides customer service to American Funds investors, including investors in the Virginia/American Funds CollegeAmerica program.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that TMEIC GE, a joint venture between Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric and General Electric, has made a deal worth about $80 million with India-based JSW Steel Limited to provide the company with a complete electrical and automation system. The system will be used for a new Hot Strip Mill located at Toranagallu, Bellary District, Karnataka India.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that AeA, the nation’s largest trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, has ranked Virginia as the national leader for its concentration of high-tech workers. Virginia surpassed Colorado with 89 workers per 1,000 in the private sector workforce. Virginia is the only state to take the lead from Colorado since AeA began publishing the report in 1997.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Essel Propack, an India-based manufacturer of laminated and plastic tubes for the oral, cosmetic and healthcare industry, will invest $14 million to expand the capacity of the Essel Propack facility and create a state-of-the-art printing center to support both Essel Propack and its subsidiary, Arista Tubes, which is also located in Danville. The expansion will create about 35 new jobs. The announcement came at the conclusion of a Virginia trade mission to India.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that The Hershey Company, North America's leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer, will invest $25 million to expand manufacturing capacity at its facility in Augusta County, creating 150 new jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Indage Group, India’s largest wine manufacturer and restaurant and hotel chain in Mumbai, India, plans to open five Indian restaurants and a headquarters operation in Virginia. Indage also will partner with Richmond restaurateur Jack Mehta to oversee management of his restaurant, India Garden & Grill, in Richmond. A memorandum of understanding between the restaurant owners was signed in Mumbai last night as part of a week-long trade mission organized by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a new distribution agreement between Lynchburg-based Trainikins, Inc. and IMI Co, Ltd. to sell the Japanese version of CPR Teddy™ in Japan. CPR Teddy™ is a non-threatening tool created to teach new parents how to save their baby if he or she chokes or stops breathing. Trainikins donated 30 CPR Teddy™ bears to Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, Chairman of Tokyo’s St. Luke’s International Hospital, last week.