Paint and coatings manufacturer invests $2 million
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Blue Ridge Technology Inc. (BRT), a manufacturer of environmentally safe paints and inks, will locate a new facility in Henry County. The company plans to initially hire 40 new employees and create a total of 100 new jobs by the end of 2000. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.
"I am pleased to welcome Blue Ridge Technology to the Commonwealth's family of high-tech industry leaders," Governor Gilmore said. "Start-up operations like Blue Ridge Technology will reap the rewards of Virginia's dedicated workforce and its business-friendly climate."
BRT is a new company specializing in the manufacture of environmentally safe paint and ink products. The company's founder, Albert Mersberg, developed a unique formulation that enables inks and paint resins to be produced without harmful volatile organic compounds or VOCs. With the increasing need to reduce solvent emissions worldwide, BRT is able to combine high performance with a safer, user-friendlier product.
"We were encouraged by the cooperative spirit of the people and authorities in Henry County," said BRT Founder Albert Mersberg. "We want to promote the local economy as much as possible and we hope our success contributes to the accomplishment of others."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Patrick-Henry Development Council and Henry County assisted BRT with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
"We welcome BRT as Virginia's newest corporate citizen," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "This project was a true team effort between the state, the region and the locality."
######