Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Petals, Inc. will locate in Commonwealth Storage in Suffolk. Petals, a major manufacturer of artificial flowers, will hire 250 new employees. The company will also invest $2.1 million in this project.
"I am pleased that Petals has found a home in the City of Suffolk," said Governor Gilmore. "The addition of this company will further diversify the manufacturing base in Hampton Roads."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the City of Suffolk assisted Petals with its decision. The company will be eligible for tax credits because it is locating in an enterprise zone.
Petals is a designer driven manufacturer of decorative accent products for the home with annual revenues of approximately $60 million. The company's main product line is permanent botanicals that it designs, manufactures and distributes through catalog, retail, wholesale and Internet channels.
"The City of Suffolk has proven to be ideal for our business," said Petals President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Belenski. "We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Suffolk and the State of Virginia."
"It is exciting to see so many new jobs being created, especially in an enterprise zone," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "This administration works hard to attract jobs to all areas of the Commonwealth."
"This announcement attests to the regional advantages of the Ports of Virginia and City of Suffolk to attracting new business to Hampton Roads," said Suffolk Mayor Milteer. "We are pleased to welcome Petals to the City and the new jobs to be created within greater downtown Suffolk."