Albany to Hire 335 in Virginia

October 13, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on October 14, 2011

Upholstered furniture manufacturer Albany Inds. will invest $2.5 million and create 335 in converting a former Vaughan plant in Galax, Va. to upholstery production.

"Galax is an ideal location for us to serve our Northeast markets," said Richie McLarty, president of Albany Inds. "This is a pro-business community with a workforce that's a perfect match for our needs. We appreciate the assistance from the Commonwealth, the City of Galax, and Virginia's aCorridor in making this project a reality."

Headquartered in New Albany, Miss., Albany Inds. was founded in 1995 and production began with 15 employees in a 10,000-square-foot building. Since then the company has grown from those 15 employees to an operation employing more than 450 people in a modern 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

"Albany Industries' decision to expand its production capabilities to Virginia is tremendous news for the City of Galax and the surrounding region," said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. "This project brings 335 new jobs to a city of 7,000 people in a region that has been hard hit by this tough economy. In addition, the company will revitalize a vacant property that formerly served as the B.C. Vaughan manufacturing facility and meets infrastructure needs. Albany Industries will fit perfectly into the furniture industry niche that thrives in that part of Virginia, and I welcome the company to the Commonwealth."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City Council of Galax and Virginia's aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Delegate Bill Carrico also assisted with the project. Governor McDonnell approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Galax with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $680,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.