Secretary Cheng visited Cadence headquarters in Staunton, Va., to announce the company was well ahead of schedule in both job creation and capital investment for the expansion announced in May 2011.

In just over a year, Cadence has filled 55 of the 65 jobs the company announced it would create over a three-year period, and the company expects to create 50 additional jobs by the end of the year. Cadence has already put to work $11 million of the $15 million the company announced it would invest over the same three-year period.

A medical instrument components manufacturer, Cadence’s impressive growth is being fueled by strong demand in the medical device industry. The company manufactures high-performance, custom-made cutting blades used in in surgical devices and scientific applications. As a premier contract manufacturer, the company is a sought-after partner for its manufacturing knowledge and high performance solutions.

With options as far away as Costa Rica, Cadence decided to expand at its existing headquarters location at Green Hills Industry and Technology Park in Staunton, Va. Founded in the Commonwealth in 1985, the company has thrived due to Virginia’s pro-business climate, competitive operating costs, and highly-skilled manufacturing workforce.

“Our impressive job creation story is really a story about great employees doing amazing things that open the door for more employees to join our team,” said Cadence CEO Peter Harris. “So as Virginians and Americans, we should all thank the hard work of many individual Cadence employees for their success in creating jobs during this period of economic challenge for the country.”

To learn why manufacturing companies like Cadence continue to find success in the Commonwealth, investing more than $13.7 billion over the last 10 years, click here.

Secretary Cheng congratulates Cadence employees on their tremendous growth at company headquarters in Staunton, Va.

Following Governor McDonnell’s announcement in July, last week Morooka America celebrated the opening of its first U.S. track carrier manufacturing plant in Hanover County. The project will bring 50 new jobs to the Central Virginia region.

Morooka America will operate under a license agreement with Japan-based Morooka Company Ltd., a leading manufacturer of rubber track carriers used in the construction, pipeline installation and agricultural industries. Using its specialized rubber tracks, the Morooka Carrier offers the additional traction needed to transport heavy materials through challenging terrain.

With the U.S. as the leading export destination for Morooka products, the Virginia facility will allow the company to optimize its supply chain and more efficiently serve and grow its North and South American markets. 

Virginia offers a strategic location for both the manufacturing and distribution of Morooka’s products. With nearly 240,000 workers employed in the manufacturing industry, Virginia’s workforce stands ready to support the industry’s needs.

In addition, Virginia’s central East Coast location and premier logistics network offer easy access to U.S. and international markets. With 14 railroads, six major interstate highways, nine commercial airports, the international Port of Virginia, and the Virginia Inland Port, the Commonwealth’s substantial logistics infrastructure is a major advantage for companies.

To learn why global manufacturing companies continue to establish operations in Virginia, investing more than $13.7 billion over the last 10 years, click here.

Secretary Cheng addresses the crowd at the Morooka America ribbon-cutting event in Hanover County, Va.

This week, Tak Investments Inc. announced it will invest $60 million and create 85 new jobs to establish a recycled tissue plant for its subsidiary, ST Tissue, in Isle of Wight County.

A win-win for the company and county, this project will repurpose a vacant portion of the International Paper mill in Franklin, Va., making use of machinery already in place.

This news comes within a month of International Paper’s announcement that it recommenced operations at its formerly-closed Franklin Mill. After closing the mill in 2009, International Paper upfit a portion of the mill to manufacture fluff pulp, bringing more than 200 new jobs to the region.

Location and existing infrastructure were key factors in Virginia’s favor, allowing the Commonwealth to successfully compete against Wisconsin. The Franklin Mill location allows the company to take advantage of an existing facility with paper-making machinery and a trained workforce already in place.

In addition, the location not only aligns with the company’s supply chain, but Virginia’s strategic East Coast location and premier transportation infrastructure will allow the company to capture additional market share. 

This project builds on the success Isle of Wight County has experienced on its way towards economic recovery. Recent announcements from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and International Paper are expected to bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area.

To learn why leading manufacturers continue to select the Commonwealth, investing more than $13.8 billion from 2002 to 2010, click here.