Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Harris-Tarkett, Inc. will purchase and operate the former Burruss facility in Brookneal, Va. Harris-Tarkett will invest $3.5 million in the Campbell County facility to manufacture unfinished hardwood flooring at this location. The company will also hire 100 new employees over the next 18 months. Virginia successfully competed with West Virginia for this investment.
"I am pleased that Harris-Tarkett is expanding its presence in Virginia," said Governor Gilmore. "As a leader in the hardwood-flooring industry, the company will strengthen the Commonwealth's role in the manufacturing sector."
Governor Gilmore approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Campbell County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Region 2000 and Campbell County assisted Harris-Tarkett with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
Harris-Tarkett, Inc., headquartered in Johnson City, Tn., is the second largest hardwood-flooring manufacturer in North America. It currently operates five manufacturing facilities in the U.S. (one of which is located in Stuart, Va.) and employs 725 people. The firm produces a range of prefinished and unfinished solid and engineered plank, strip and parquet products and distributes them throughout North America.
Jim Morando, President of Harris-Tarkett said, "The State of Virginia, Campbell County and the City of Brookneal were all extremely supportive. Everyone from the Commonwealth exhibited a tremendous sense of urgency and a can-do attitude that enabled us to complete this transaction very quickly. The cooperation between the State, County and City was a major reason why we felt so comfortable pursuing this opportunity. We are eager to begin operations at Brookneal and provide much needed jobs for the area."
"The new jobs created by Harris-Tarkett will greatly benefit the Campbell County area, especially in light of the recent Burruss closing," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "It is a testament to the quality workforce in Virginia that Harris-Tarkett will be opening a second plant in the Commonwealth."