Governor Gilmore Announces Automotive/Truck Parts Supplier's Plans for New Facility in Washington Co

21st Century Containers, Ltd. to create 120 new jobs with expansion to Westinghouse facility

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that 21st Century Containers, Ltd. (21st Century) will expand its existing manufacturing operations to Washington County. The company will create 120 jobs and invest $6 million in the plant over the next three years as part of the expansion. The expansion was made possible with the assistance of Paramount VA Realty, LLC, a new company formed to provide manufacturing facilities for 21st Century. 

"This decision will help to further diversify the economy of Southwest Virginia," Governor Gilmore said. "21st Century’s decision is a strong testament of Virginia’s growing reputation in the automotive/truck industry." 

21st Century manufactures outer skin components for the truck, recreational vehicle, and agriculture industries utilizing a patented technology involving a Metton liquid resin molding process. The company is a Tier-I supplier to four of the largest truck assembly companies in the U.S.-Volvo, Kenworth, Peterbilt and Navistar, as well as being a supplier of non-automotive parts to American Locker, Diebold, John Deere and others. Abingdon resident James A Brown owns a controlling interest in 21st Century, while three Japanese firms, Teijin Metton Company, Nichimen Corporation and Maruzen Petrochemical Corporation, have interest in the company. 21st Century will move into the former Westinghouse Corporation building. 

"Familiarity with and confidence in Southwest Virginia’s labor force, advantageous distribution routes, suitable plant availability with expansion capabilities, and Virginia’s pro-business environment were factors we considered during our site selection process," James A. Brown said.

"21st Century’s proximity to Volvo’s expanding Pulaski County facility will strengthen Virginia’s developing automotive component manufacturing base," Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal said. "We welcome this respected company to the Commonwealth and will assist them in the years to come."

Governor Gilmore approved $200,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Washington County with building improvements. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Washington County Industrial Development Authority and the Mount Rogers Partnership assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training.

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