Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that EMCO, manufacturer of Forever® brand storm and screen doors, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Luray in Page County. The decision for Page County will result in 343 new jobs over the next two and a half years through EMCO's investment of $9.8 million. Virginia successfully competed with Pennsylvania for the investment.
"The EMCO facility is extremely important to both the Commonwealth and Page County," said Governor Gilmore. "The new site will enable EMCO to conduct business in a more cost effective way."
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, EMCO manufactures Forever storm and screen doors. Founded in 1932, the company now employs over 500 people in the Des Moines area. EMCO produces a diverse line of patented Forever storm and screen doors, with the majority of its product being sold nationwide through finer home improvement outlets, including more than 700 Home Depot stores. EMCO has patented innovations such as the Store-In-Door™ Window and Screen and the SPLINE-LOC™ Screen, which helped earn EMCO the reputation of an innovative pioneer and leader in the storm and screen door industry.
"We are excited to expand in Luray because of its positive business environment, proximity to our customers, and the presence of an existing facility that can be renovated to meet EMCO's needs. We are looking forward to developing a long-term relationship with the people of Luray and Page County," J Glasnapp, president and chief operating officer, said.
"This project is extremely significant in its potential to stimulate redevelopment in Page County," said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "I am convinced that EMCO's presence will draw favorable attention to the county and Virginia for future economic development efforts."
Governor Gilmore approved a $600,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Page County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Page County Industrial Development Authority assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
EMCO will begin hiring office and plant associates for its Luray facility this fall. An open house for those interested in employment will be held on August 18 from 12:00-7:00 p.m. and August 19 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the new EMCO building, 31 Stoneybrook Road (formerly the Lear building). People also are invited to contact the Virginia Employment Commission in Luray at 540.743.4320 or Harrisonburg at 540.434.2513 for additional information about EMCO employment opportunities. For more information about EMCO and Forever brand doors, call 800.777.3626 or log on to the internet at www.forever.com.