Richmond - Governor Allen today announced that Acken Signs, Inc., will be investing $1.5 million to relocate its sign manufacturing facility from West Virginia to Tazewell County. The company will be constructing a building to house their administrative offices, as well as purchasing 12.3 acres and two buildings in the Enterprise Zone which created by legislation signed by the Governor in 1995.
"Acken Signs' decision to relocate its manufacturing operations in Tazewell County is indicative of the growing economic strength of Southwest Virginia," said Governor Allen. "This welcome investment is a testimonial to the value of Enterprise Zones, Virginia's pro-business environment and our high quality workforce. Our effort to double the number of Enterprise Zones, from 25 to 50 helped bring this great investment to Virginia. Clearly, it is already paying dividends."
Acken Signs, Inc., a 26-year-old company headquartered in Bluefield, West Virginia, manufactures signs for such nationally known companies as Shoney's, Food Lion and Cracker Barrel. The relocation, which will house Acken Signs' manufacturing division, is scheduled to be completed by early November. The relocation will create 80 new jobs in Tazewell County, and an additional 80 new jobs are expected to be created over the next 5 years.
"Acken Signs is looking forward to moving to Tazewell County," said Bud Acken, owner of Acken Signs. "Business in Virginia is progressive and encouraging, and our new building will allow our manufacturing to be accomplished on one floor, and will provide adequate room for growth in the future."
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