Governor Gilmore announces 200 new jobs for Southwest Virginia
Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Raleigh Mine and Industrial Supply will expand its Tazewell County operation and also locate a new facility there. The expansion will create 200 new jobs for Virginians through a $5 million investment. In addition, Raleigh's existing 49 employees in the county will be retained. Virginia successfully competed with West Virginia and Kentucky for the investment.
"This announcement is a tremendous win for Tazewell County and all of Southwest Virginia," Governor Gilmore said. "I applaud the aggressive efforts of the county, region and state economic development groups and the company for making this project a reality."
Raleigh Mine and Industrial Supply is headquartered in Mt. Hope, West Virginia. The company employs more than 500 people in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia with emphasis on remanufacturing truck parts, light and heavy steel fabrication, construction, temporary employment services and product distribution. In November 1998, Raleigh acquired Bluefield, West Virginia-based DS Parts Remanufacturing. In March 2000, it acquired Air-Vac, a heavy truck part remanufacturing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. The two companies will relocate to Virginia as Raleigh continues to acquire remanufacturers and steel fabricators. "Raleigh evaluated many factors before selecting Virginia," said S.R. Smith, President of Raleigh Mine and Industrial Supply. "The business environment in Virginia is excellent with consistent and impartial administration of the state's laws. It became clear to us that we can grow our business here without unreasonable alterations in policy."
"Raleigh Mine and Industrial Supply will benefit from the dedicated, eager workforce in Tazewell County," Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal said. "Existing manufacturers like Raleigh serve as the foundation for Virginia's successful business climate."
In addition to Governor Gilmore's approval of a grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund in the amount of $350,000 to assist Tazewell County with site preparation, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Tazewell County assisted Raleigh Mine Supply with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce-training services to the company. Raleigh Mine Supply also qualifies for Enterprise Zone tax credits through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
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