Regional Economic Development News

McAirlaid's Expands in Franklin County

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:59:53 EDT

Manufacturer of absorption material adds jobs, increases global output with larger high-tech manufacturing center

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (May 9, 2012) – McAirlaid's Vliesstoffe GmbH & Co., which manufactures absorptive materials found in hygienic products and food packaging, today unveiled an expansion that will increase employment by a third in Franklin County as part of a multi- million investment.

With state dignitaries, business leaders and elected officials on hand for a ribbon-cutting and tour of the high-tech manufacturing center at The Commerce Center of Franklin County, McAirlaid’s president and CEO Alexander Maksimow said the expansion will increase the company’s global capacity by about a third.

“McAirlaid’s found a warm welcome in Franklin County when we opened here in 2008,” Maksimow said. “Now, with growing demand met by a world-class facility and outstanding employees, we are pleased to show off an expansion that will position us even better in the U.S. market.”

The 75,000-square-foot expansion at the German company’s only U.S. manufacturing facility and U.S. headquarters at 180 Corporate Drive increases McAirlaid’s footprint to 145,000 square feet. The additional space provides for additional manufacturing equipment and storage to make products such as absorbent pads for food packaging, medical and wound care products, absorbent cores for hygiene products, materials for wiping and filtration, pet care products, and table decorations. The expansion will allow the company to reduce imports of raw materials and use U.S.-produced materials.

The company’s patented airlaid, nonwoven material is made without glues, binders or synthetic material. Its proprietary machinery eviscerates pulp to create absorptive materials.

The expansion will enable McAirlaid’s, currently with 120 employees, to grow to 160 jobs almost immediately.

McAirlaid’s made a multi-million-dollar investment when it began operations in Franklin County in 2008. The company was founded in 1997 and also employs 250 in its two German facilities.

“As a major employer in Rocky Mount, McAirlaid’s is making a highly visible impact on the community with quality jobs, an international presence and a management team that enjoys living in the region. This expansion further signifies the company’s commitment to grow and prosper in Franklin County,” added David Cundiff, chairman of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors. “We enjoy having McAirlaid’s as part of our community and look forward to providing the support they need to flourish.”

“This could not have been possible without our customers, employees, and the community leaders who welcomed and supported us enthusiastically,” said Peter Gawley, U.S. president of McAirlaid’s.

“McAirlaid’s is the kind of company we love to see grow in the Roanoke Region,” said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “ McAirlaid’s has benefited from a productive, skilled workforce, low costs of doing business, and one-day transportation to two-thirds of the U.S. population.”

Virginia Tops Site Selection Magazine 2011 Competitiveness Ranking

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:38:34 EDT

~Competitiveness Award goes to the state with the most points earned in a 10-factor index~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Site Selection magazine has named Virginia the winner of its 2011 Competitiveness Award, which recognizes excellence on the part of a state-level economic development group. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) was honored at an awards ceremony on April 23 at the Industrial Asset Management Council's spring 2012 Professional Forum in Austin, Texas. The Competitiveness Award goes to the state with the most points earned in a 10-factor index based mainly on Site Selection publisher Conway Data Inc.'s New Plant database of new and expanded facility announcements. For 2011 performance, Virginia scored 420.5 points. Texas (395), Ohio (387.5), Louisiana (382.5) and North Carolina (381.5) rounded out the top five.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “We’ve worked very hard these past two years to bolster Virginia’s reputation as a place to work and relocate businesses to, and we’ve earned top rankings on various measures of that. This Competitiveness Award recognition is terrific, as we have put a lot of resources into economic development incentives and grants and are spending a lot of time on the road telling Virginia’s story.”

“The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Governor Bob McDonnell have demonstrated that a pro-business, get-the-word-out strategy coupled with a predictable, low-tax business climate result in a competitive edge that is quantifiable,” said Mark Arend, Editor in Chief, Site Selection Magazine.

“I’m very pleased that Virginia has once again surpassed the competition to earn Site Selection magazine’s 2011 Competitiveness Award,” said Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. “During the past three years, we have invested well over $100 million in proven economic development and job creation programs and these investments have made Virginia more competitive in the economic marketplace. The results have been impressive, as we have created 119,800 net new jobs in our state and reduced our unemployment rate to 5.6%. We have a great team that is taking a very aggressive approach to economic development. They have been key to making Virginia the best place in the nation to do business.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Shanghai, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.

For detailed information from Site Selection on Virginia’s award, visit: http://siteselection.com/issues/2012/may/competitive-states.cfm

Roanoke Region Workforce Training Meets Modern Manufacturing

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:14:56 EDT

Remarks made at a recent IAMC Conference indicate that a continuing US manufacturing recovery will depend largely upon improving workforce training and education. This is an area of concern for most areas in the United States. Industry demographics indicate large numbers of manufacturing employees are over the age of 54 across the country. The US manufacturing recovery will not occur evenly across all communities/regions. Those communities with the human capital in place and capacity to train new workers will see the strongest resurgence.

The Roanoke region has several advantages when it comes to workforce preparation. The growing regional Mechatronics program at Virginia Western Community College, being offered through dual enrollment at several local school divisions, will produce the workforce required for increasingly automated manufacturing. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Packaging Technology program trains on a variety of automated systems relevant to the manufacturing industry. And engineering programs at Virginia Tech, including the Ware Lab in the College of Engineering, are giving engineering students the opportunity to work on real world problems and projects.

Manufacturing on an Upswing in the Roanoke Region

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:04:45 EDT

The Roanoke Region is seeing a resurgence in manufacturing. Manufacturing employment is up by 2.8 percent from last year in the Roanoke Region according to data from Moody’s. And data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Survey indicates that manufacturing employment has grown fairly steadily since 2009 with some seasonal variations.

Roanoke’s growth in manufacturing is remarkable. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program indicates that Roanoke is among the top 48% of metros for manufacturing growth between 2010 and 2011. More than 100 metros (nearly a third) actually saw their manufacturing employment decline over that same period.

Roanoke is in a strong position to grow additional manufacturing jobs over the next few years as executives consider “reshoring” manufacturing jobs and moving those jobs back to the United States. A recent survey by the Boston Consulting Group found that 37 percent of all US-based manufacturing executives either plan to or are actively considering moving production to the United States from China. And 48 percent of executives working for companies with more than $10 billion in revenues are thinking of reshoring manufacturing operations.

55 New Jobs Coming to Alleghany County

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:04:26 EDT

Balchem Corp. to invest $10 million in first Virginia operation

COVINGTON, Va. (April 30, 2012) – A publicly traded company that manufactures ingredients used in food, pharmaceuticals and animal nutrition announced plans today to establish an operation in Alleghany County, investing approximately $10 million and creating 55 new jobs within two to three years.

Balchem Corp. (NASDAQ: BCPC), based in New Hampton, N.Y., will manufacture encapsulated ingredients for global applications used in animal nutrition and health products. The company plans to acquire a vacant, 68,000-square-foot building currently owned by the county, located in the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said, “Alleghany County is the ideal location for Balchem Corporation’s first Virginia operation. The strategic location with direct access to Interstates 64 and 81 allows the company to easily serve its customer base in the Northeast and Midwest. In addition, the region offers a business-friendly and available labor force. Balchem will provide 55 new jobs over the next two to three years and help contribute to the diversification of Alleghany's manufacturing sector, and we thank the company for this significant investment in the Commonwealth.”

Balchem has three business segments: ARC Specialty Products; food, pharmaceutical and nutrition; and animal nutrition and health. Through ARC Specialty Products, Balchem provides specialty-packaged chemicals for use in healthcare and other industries. The food, pharma and nutrition segment provides proprietary microencapsulation, granulation and agglomeration solutions to a variety of applications in the human food, pharmaceutical and nutrition marketplaces. The animal nutrition and health segment manufactures and supplies products to numerous animal health markets and certain derivative products into industrial applications.

Balchem is on the Forbes list of the 100 best small companies in America.

“Today is a great day in Alleghany County,” said Stephen A. Bennett, Chairman of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors. “Balchem is a growing, successful company that is making an investment in our community, diversifying our manufacturing base, and creating excellent jobs for our citizens. It’s exactly the kind of company that makes Alleghany County an even better story to tell.”

“Balchem is a world-wide leader in nutrition and health products,” added Mark R. George, Chairman of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation and Vice President, Strategic Initiatives for MeadWestvaco. “The company recognizes that the Alleghany Highlands provides the workforce and business environment that will contribute to their continued success.”

“Alleghany County was successful in locating Balchem because the region has the right workforce, business climate, and infrastructure for this company’s needs,” said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

“The state, regional and local economic development organizations were excellent to work with, providing us with timely information about the benefits of Virginia and Alleghany County,” said John Kuehner, Balchem’s Vice President of Operations. “We evaluated raw material supply, customer locations, trade infrastructure support, and overall costs of doing business. These factors, combined with a significant incentive package, led us to this decision.”

According to Dr. Dana Putnam, Vice President and General Manager, Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health, “This investment will provide Balchem with world-class manufacturing capabilities that allow us to match the rapidly growing demands for our products and technology in the animal nutrition and health industry. From this, we can continue to advance solutions that aid in gains in animal productivity and health while reducing the environmental impact of contemporary feeding programs.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Alleghany County, the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation and the Roanoke Regional Partnership worked together to secure the project.

McDonnell approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Alleghany County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the Company’s recruitment and training activities.

Balchem projects making $10 million in capital investments within the first three years to purchase machinery and equipment, acquire the building and make building improvements.

Of the 55 new jobs, 20 will come in the first year with the balance coming over the next 2-3 years.

The Roanoke Regional Partnership Launches $3 Million Private Sector Capital Campaign

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:00:38 EDT

$6 Million Public/Private Initiative Expects to Target High Paying Jobs, Capital Investment

ROANOKE, Va. (April 23, 2012) --The Roanoke Regional Partnership today launched a $3 million private sector campaign to further promote the region’s economic development initiatives. Partners In Prosperity, The Next Step is a five-year initiative in which a private sector goal of $3 million will be matched by the public sector in Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties; Roanoke and Salem cities; and the town of Vinton to fund a $6 million program of work.

At the kick-off event held at the Vinton War Memorial, campaign co-chairs Nancy Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic and John Williamson, III, chairman of RGC Resources, reported that the private sector campaign already has raised $2,205,750, or 74 percent of the private sector goal, from 43 businesses. Through a program of work that includes business attraction, asset development and image building supported by these funds, the Partnership’s goals include creating 3,245 higher wage jobs and bringing in $200 million in capital investment to the area.

“The next five years will be critical for the future of the Roanoke region,” said Agee. “We have an opportunity to capitalize on the region’s growth, promote new business alliances, and share the story of the exceptional quality of life that we enjoy here.”

Williamson added that as the economy emerges from a major recession, the region must redouble its efforts to capitalize on upward momentum by attracting high paying jobs in target industries, including food and beverage, transportation equipment, mechatronics, outdoor recreation, and life sciences.

“Economic development is a process, not a project,” Williamson said. “It takes patience, it takes perseverance, it takes funding, and most importantly it takes proactive and thoughtful leadership. But our region is fortunate to have academic research institutions, a productive workforce, central location, advantageous cost structure, and abundant natural amenities that will carry it forward in the coming decades.”

Although founded in 1983, the Partnership is launching only its second organized campaign to stimulate private investment for promoting the region. In 2007, a similar effort funded a strategy that resulted in 24 business locations and expansions in the region, resulting in $88 million in new investment and 1,508 new jobs and a total economic impact of $642,710,597 (IMPLAN).

In addition to business development, Partnership efforts began branding the region as an outdoor mecca by creating events such as the Blue Ridge Marathon and initiatives such as RoanokeOutside.com.

Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, noted that population growth was one of the goals of the 2007 campaign. Since 2007, the region has seen steady positive growth in the numbers of young adults ages 24-34, reversing earlier trends. The annual compounded population growth rate has improved from 2001 through 2010.

“Through public and private investment, the Partnership makes a difference that is felt though out this region,” says Doughty. “We have had success during the past five years despite a negative economy. Now is the time to build on this success and recommit to significant growth by 2017.”

Roanoke Company Wins US Army Innovation Award

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:17:56 EDT

ROANOKE, Va., (April 26, 2012) – Luna Innovations Incorporated (NASDAQ: LUNA), which develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets, today announced it received the U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Achievement Award for its development of high-performance antennas for military vehicles.

Luna is one of 10 national achievement award winners and received the recognition for its accomplishments in developing antennas to be used in ground and airborne platforms. Luna, with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), is combining specially engineered materials, unique antenna designs and inkjet printing for rapid antenna prototyping to meet the needs of the U.S. Army.

The company received the award after being evaluated on four criteria: originality and innovation of research; relevance to the Army mission; immediate commercialization potential; and overall quality performance of the project.

“Luna Innovations is already a trusted partner for the U.S. armed forces,” said My Chung, CEO of Luna Innovations. “This award further validates the value and quality we bring to the technology and products that support our men and women in uniform. We thank the U.S. Army for this prestigious award, and we look forward to continuing to develop and implement technologies that safeguard our nation.”

Luna was recognized for developing a new tool to solve a common problem in Humvees, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – how to reduce the visibility of wideband communications antennas and improve vehicle aerodynamic performance without sacrificing performance.

Using advanced materials and computing algorithms, Luna and GTRI dramatically enhanced the antenna design, modeling, and prototyping process. These advances enabled fabrication of efficient brassboard prototypes on a very short time scale, leading to dramatic reductions in design-to-fielding time for new wideband antennas.

The modularity and cost-effectiveness of each step in the prototyping process will lead to rapid technology transfer to end-users in a wide variety of platforms. Now, brassboard prototypes of new antenna designs can be rapidly manufactured within hours or days, giving the Army the capability to fabricate and test new antenna concepts without expensive and lengthy operations. The technologies can be applied to other Department of Defense and commercial applications.

About Luna Innovations

Luna Innovations Incorporated (www.lunainnovations.com) focuses on sensing and instrumentation. Luna develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets. The company’s products are used to measure, monitor, protect and improve critical processes in the markets it serves. Through its disciplined commercialization business model, Luna has become a recognized leader in transitioning science to solutions.

A Runner's Perspectives on Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Marathon

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:03:25 EDT

from the Beer Runner at draftmag.com

I had no idea what to expect when my plane touched down on Thursday in Roanoke, Virginia. Who has preconceived notions about Roanoke? Not this Midwestern guy.

All I knew was that Roanoke hosted the Blue Ridge Marathon, what’s been labeled “the world’s toughest road marathon.” It was enough to scare me into trying out the half marathon before I committed to 26.2 miles of the course.

It turns out that Roanoke is an incredibly pleasant surprise. I was greeted by a city market with locally sourced foods, a downtown farmers market, a packet pick-up at an impressive museum of modern art, and an outdoor store where I tried on some Vibrams and bought running socks.

My pre-race meal consisted of shrimp and grits and fried gator bites with a Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA at a cajun restaurant called The Quarter. Then I grabbed another beer from local craft beer Devil’s Backbone while listening to live music at a free festival called Down by Downtown.

All of this was all within walking distance from each other. Well played, Roanoke.

I also didn’t know what to expect from today’s race. I heard that it took “an act of Congress” to host a race across the scenic byways of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is now in its third year. It was well worth it.

I knew there was 1,600 feet of elevation gain in the half marathon — and double that for the full — but it was hard for me to conceive of that while training on the flatlands of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It was as hard as it sounds. After the first mile, a steady ascent continued that didn’t let up for three miles. Brutal.

But the payoff was not only gorgeous views, but a manic descent over the next two miles. I don’t think I’ve ever let gravity carry me that far. Gravity was also largely responsible for a 5:40 mile downhill mile split.

After the quad-busting downhills, the course more or less leveled off for the rest of the way, including sections along the scenic greenway trails. I ran solo through most of these sections, but the enthusiastic army of volunteers kept me going with their cheers.

I’ve never felt so fired up at the end of the race. I sprinted the last half mile home and finished in 1:28, which was good for third place overall. I credit the pre-race beer carbo loading.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better race day. The weather was ideal, the field was not to big and not too small, I met fellow beer runners like David, they gave me a massage and a sausage biscuit at the finish, and afterward I could partake in the local craft beer scene.

My friend Rick and I celebrated with trips to Big Daddy Brewing Company for a sampling, and a tour of the Roanoke Railhouse Brewery.

I was especially impressed with Railhouse, which shares space with a tire shop and opened up in 2009 in an old Dr. Pepper bottling plant. We were treated to a small, intimate tour from brewer Jason Anderson, who moved to Roanoke with his wife from Seattle.

When he’s not brewing excellent beers like their Irish Stout and Loose Caboose imperial lager, Jason practice martial arts and rides his bike to work. He’s definite beer runner material, and I hope to do an interview with him soon on this blog.

Tonight, the plan is to hang out with Starlight Bikes and watch a local criterium race, which will include beer from Devil’s Backbone. I also want to check out Blue 5, which is rumored to have 47 taps of craft beer.

And now that I now what to expect from Roanoke, I plan to come back someday. I have 13.1 miles more of unfinished business at the world’s toughest road marathon.

Virginia Ranks Third in Economic Outlook

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:48:14 EDT

from virginiabusiness.com

Virginia was ranked as the third-best state in the country for its economic outlook in a report released Thursday by the American Legislative Exchange Council. In the fifth edition of “Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index,” Virginia outperformed other states on economic policy based on a ranking that uses 15 equally-weighted variables in the areas of tax, debt levels, state legal systems, labor, and regulatory policy.

The Washington, D.C.-based ALEC is a nonpartisan individual membership organization of state legislators that favors federalism and conservative public policy solutions.

“In Virginia we are constantly working to control taxes, reduce regulation and promote economic creativity. Rich States, Poor States shows that these pro-growth initiatives translate into a thriving business community and a high standard of living for our citizens,” William Howell, the Speaker of the House for the Virginia General Assembly, said in a statement.

Compared to 2010, Virginia moved up three slots in 2011, from No. 8 to No. 3 in its economic outlook. It ranked No. 8 in economic performance, which considered personal income per capita, domestic migration, and non-farm payroll. The top five and bottom five states in regards to economic outlook are listed below:

Roanoke Featured in Toronto Sun

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:21:52 EDT

from The Toronto Sun

Mountains out the hotel window, a railway main line outside the front door. Roanoke, in western Virginia, is surrounded by the gentle beatuy of the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet its roots are in the rumble of fast freights.

Walk out of Hotel Roanoke, where I stayed last year, hang a left and you're at the entrance to a enclosed, glass-sided walkway spanning multiple tracks used by the the Norfolk Southern.

On the other side is a revitalized downtown. It's anchored by the Historic Roanoke City Market, which has been operating continuously since 1882, the year the Hotel Roanoke was built, the year the city was chartered.

The market building has been extensively renovated, a project accounting for some of the quarter of a billion dollars in public and private money being invested in the downtown. That's a chunk of change for a city of 100,000 -- triple that if you include the metropolitan area.

No doubt Roanoke's come a ways since it was called Big Lick. Mercifully it was changed to Roanoke. Derived from an Indian word, that should leave Roanokers forever in the native people's debt.

Its ebullient mayor, David Bowers, says he's seen Roanoke change from "a sleepy, segregated southern city" to one Money Magazine puts in the top 25 of places to live, work and retire.

Bowers cited a festival called Local Colors. When it started, 20 years ago, only four nationalities were identified in the city. Last year, organizers counted 97.

Roanoke would make a good base for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most popular scenic drives in America. The city offers plenty to see and do, including:

-- Passenger locomotives for the Norfolk Southern's predecessor, the Norfolk & Western, used to be designed and built in Roanoke. Rail buffs will want to stroll along The Railwalk, an interactive "park" that starts at the market district, runs along the main line, and ends at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Located in an old freight station, the museum boasts the largest collection of diesel and steam locomotives in the U.S.

-- O. Winston Link, a self-taught photographer with a passion for railways and trains, documented their demise in stunning black and white shots, taken when the Norfolk & Western was the only American railway still using steam locomotives. The photos are in a museum named for Link, located in the visitor centre.

-- The Taubman Museum of Art houses mainly contemporary American art.

-- Youngsters will love Mill Mountain Park Zoo, where prairie dogs pose for photos. Among the critters I had never encountered before were tabby-size Pallas cats from central Asia, red pandas, and a fishing cat from southern Asia with webbed front feet. Fittingly, there's also a 16-gauge miniature train families can ride.

-- The Roanoke Star, sitting more than 30 metres atop Mill Mountain Park, is the world's largest. Erected as a symbol of the progressive spirit of Roanoke, "star city of the south," it's illuminated at night.

GOOD TO GO

Roanoke is on Interstate 81 near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Toronto is roughly 13 hours away by road. For tourist information, contact the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-635-5535 or visitroanokeva.com.

EAT, DRINK

Locals flock to the Roanoker, established in 1941, particularly for breakfast. Their hot biscuits were mentioned on NBC's The Today Show the morning we ate there. This being the South, gravy on your biscuits is almost obligatory. I chanced a spoonful of the Roanoker's, which has chunks of sausage. Spoon bread and peanut soup are two of the Hotel Roanoke's nods to Virginia cuisine. Restaurants locals recommended: Blue 5 and Cafe Asia. Details are available on Google. Roanoke Rail House, a local brewery, makes an amber ale rivalling big-name brands in taste.