Governor Allen Welcomes 5B's And 1,000 Projected Jobs To Henry County
Henry County - Governor George Allen today announced that 5B's Inc., America's largest contract embroidery company, has decided to locate a new manufacturing facility in Henry County, representing the company's first move to Virginia. The 170,000 square foot facility will initially employ 200 with an investment of $10 million and will locate in the Martinsville-Henry County Enterprise Zone. The company further estimates creating 500 additional jobs in two years and eventually 1,000 new jobs within five years.
"Our administration works hard to foster a pro-opportunity, pro-growth business environment, and Enterprise Zones have a strong track record as a proven tool for boosting economic development. I am especially pleased that my decision to designate Henry County and Martinsville as a Joint Enterprise Zone helped sew up this fantastic investment decision," said Governor Allen. "This is an enormous victory for the people of Henry County, Virginia and the United States. When national trends today show that many textile jobs are going outside the United States, this decision by 5B's is especially exhilarating."
Governor Allen has been a chief proponent of expanding State Enterprise Zones across the Commonwealth. In 1995, he won approval of a comprehensive package of changes that doubled the number of Enterprise Zones from 25 to 50, including the Martinsville-Henry County Enterprise Zone.
Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina and Ohio for the $10 million investment and 1,000 new jobs. Based in Zanesville, Ohio, 5B's provides embroidery contract services to major garment manufacturers such as Osh-Kosh, Starter, Champion and Fruit of the Loom. Three separate shifts will operate in the facility to be constructed on a 25-acre parcel of land in the Beaver Creek Industrial Park.
"We look forward to successful business growth in Henry County," said Todd Biles, President and Chief Operating Officer of 5B's Inc. "Virginia's quality work force and welcoming business attitude of Virginia and Henry County will serve 5B's to the highest degree."
"This was truly a team recruitment effort on the part of the community, the State and the private sector," said Henry County Board of Supervisors' Chairman Jack Dalton. "We believe that 5B's will be a perfect fit for our community."
5B's will begin operations this March. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Patrick Henry Development Council and Henry County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide approximately $225,000 in workforce training services.
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