New Ravenna Propels Global Brand From Rural Location
Summary
- New Ravenna was founded in Northumberland County in 1992 and expanded its workforce and reach in 2016, resulting a global demand for its luxury products.
- The expansion into international markets was made possible by access to The Port of Virginia, which is now the deepest, widest port on the East Coast after recent dredging.
- New Ravenna invested $1 million in its manufacturing operations in Northumberland County in 2018.
- VEDP supported the company’s growth through the two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program.
Home is Where the Heart Is
Founded in 1992 by Eastern Shore -native Sara Baldwin, New Ravenna is a premier designer and manufacturer of stone and glass mosaic tiles for both residential and commercial installations. The company is now the largest private sector employer in Northampton County, with their handcrafted luxury products sold through nearly 200 exclusive designer showrooms across the United States and internationally.
There is no doubt that Eastern Shore remains an integral part of New Ravenna’s success story, with the region’s dependable labor force providing the talent and craftsmanship required to manufacture these world-class products.
But back in 2016, the company’s new CEO had just begun to expand the company’s reach. The demand grew quickly, with Virginia’s unique assets allowing the company to achieve its full growth potential while preserving its deep ties to the Eastern Shore community.
A Gateway to the Rest of the World
New Ravenna’s advantageous location ensures that the sky is truly the limit.
Thanks to its proximity to The Port of Virginia, the company is better able to navigate the global marketplace. And because the port is served by every primary shipping line, New Ravenna is able to stay connected with major ports throughout the world. Additionally, a massive improvement project to create a 55-foot-deep shipping channel in Norfolk Harbor was completed in February of 2026, making Virginia home to the deepest, widest shipping channels on the East Coast. The Port of Virginia is now fully equipped to accommodate New Ravenna’s international growth for years to come.
Virginia is a part of New Ravenna’s past, present, and future. The ancient art of mosaic-making is a highly specialized skill that's appreciated around the world, and Virginia has presented us with pivotal opportunities that are expanding both our global reach and our local workforce.
Richard Walters, CEO, New Ravenna
Going Global, Staying Local
In 2018, New Ravenna made the decision to invest nearly $1 million in its manufacturing operation in Northampton County to expand its international growth strategy.
The same year, New Ravenna was accepted into VEDP’s two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, which assists companies that are seeking export growth in international markets. The VALET program provided New Ravenna with export planning services and assistance from a team of experienced global service providers including attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators, accountants, and freight forwarders.
As of 2023, New Ravenna has a total of four buildings and employs 115 workers.
New Ravenna continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Northumberland County, allowing its designers to add innovative, in-demand designs, materials, and product lines to its growing portfolio, and Virginia is proud to support this homegrown business’s international success.
New Ravenna by the numbers
capital investment to expand company's operations
designer showrooms that sell New Ravenna products
employees at New Ravenna
Meet your
industry partners
Kevin leads strategic project engagement and investment attraction, connecting companies with Virginia’s energy ecosystem to support expansion and long-term industry growth.
Antje advises international companies on how best to expand operations into the U.S. in general and Virginia in particular, providing expert guidance on key topics, from site selection to tax incentives. She oversees VEDP’s offices in Europe, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
