Frederick County - Governor George Allen today announced the official opening of the Jouan Global Center, a medical laboratory manufacturing facility constructed by Jouan, Inc. The expansion was a direct result of meetings between Governor Allen and Mr. Marcel Victorri, Chairman of the Board of Jouan, Inc., during the Governor's September 1996 European Trade Mission. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and South Carolina for the Jouan Global Center.
"The people of France and Virginia share a long, proud history as champions of liberty and advocates of equality under the rule of law. Today, French and Virginians again are united by the bonds of 'fraternité' as we celebrate the grand opening of Jouan's Global Center building," said Governor Allen. "The expansion of this medical manufacturing plant is certainly the right prescription for a healthier and more prosperous future for Jouan, the people of Frederick County and Winchester and for all Virginians."
Jouan, Inc. produces medical laboratory centrifuges, ovens and freezers at its Winchester facility. The company announced the decision to expand its Winchester facility in March, with an additional investment of $8 million and creating 60 new jobs in the Shenandoah Valley.
Jouan Chairman Marcel Victorri reminded today's audience that Jouan made its first decision to operate in Virginia in 1983 when the company first started its affiliate in Winchester. "Our 1996 decision was a renewal of our commitment to the community in view of the many years of success to date," he said.
Governor Allen presented a Virginia flag and an historic share of stock to Mr. Victorri at today's ceremony. Jouan Inc. joins 65 other French-based companies with operations in Virginia, which have created a total of 7,265 jobs and $436.4 million in new capital investment.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance is providing workforce training services.
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