National Foam Cushion Will Create Up To 125 New Jobs in Enterprise Zone
Scott County - Governor George Allen today announced that National Foam Cushion will invest $5 million to expand its manufacturing operations to Scott County, creating 65 initial jobs, with the possibility of 60 more new jobs over the next two years. The Texas-based manufacturer of foam carpet padding will construct a new building in the Duffield Industrial Park which is located in the Scott County Enterprise Zone designated by the Governor in 1995. Virginia competed with Ohio for the investment, and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services to the company.
"National Foam was one of 15 potential investors I hosted during our 'Red Carpet Tour' of far Southwest Virginia last October. Their job-creating investment here in Scott County will continue to diversify and strengthen the local economy, and enhance opportunities for more Virginia families here," said Governor Allen. "I'm pleased to see that the Enterprise Zone I designated here in the Duffield Industrial Park is paying positive dividends for Scott County. Today's announcement further confirms that Enterprise Zones -- with their lower taxes, fewer regulations and quicker permitting -- lead to more investments and more jobs."
National Foam Cushion was established in 1988 and manufactures foam carpet padding used for residential and commercial carpet underlayment. The company sells its products to floor covering wholesalers, distributors and retailers across the nation. The Scott County facility will assist the company in meeting consumer demand in its northern and northeastern markets. The regional park where the company is locating is jointly owned by the counties of Lee, Scott, Wise and the City of Norton.
"Our company has never experienced the kind of pro-business cooperation and assistance from any government like that of Virginia and Scott County," said Burk Collins, chief executive officer of National Foam Cushion. "We looked extensively for sites and chose Virginia because of its dependable labor force and strategic east coast location."
After a two-year effort to double the number of Enterprise Zones in Virginia from 25 to 50, Governor Allen succeeded in getting the General Assembly to approve his proposal in 1995. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, the Lenowisco Planning District, the Duffield Development Authority and Scott County worked together in assisting the company with its decision.
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