Governor Announces Bristol Compressors To Expand In Southwest Virginia

WASHINGTON COUNTY - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Bristol Compressors will expand its presence in Washington County at its current location in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park. The $45 million Virginia expansion is a consolidation of the company's international production into one location. Bristol Compressors will hire 350 new employees to fill positions as assemblers, machinists and electricians. 

“Bristol Compressors is currently Washington County’s largest employer and a quality corporate citizen,” said Governor Gilmore. “The company’s decision to expand in Virginia over numerous other locations, is a testament to the strong relationship between the Commonwealth and its existing industries. I am pleased that the company recognizes the benefits of Virginia’s pro-business climate and the quality workforce that is available.”

Governor Gilmore approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Washington County with site preparation. Through the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, Governor Gilmore also awarded $500,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity funds to Washington County for this project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Mount Rogers Partnership and Washington County’s Industrial Development Authority assisted Bristol Compressors with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services. The company is eligible for further tax credits through the enterprise zone tax credit program provided by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Virginia was successful against other global alternatives under consideration by Bristol Compressors.

“With the full cooperation and support of the Washington County Board of Supervisors and our State Executives, for the last two decades Bristol Compressors has been very successful. Virginia Governor Gilmore and Virginia Secretary DuVal have, once again, demonstrated timely and effective 
leadership in expanding good jobs for Virginians” said Wayne Kennedy, President and CEO of Bristol Compressors.

Bristol Compressors, Inc. manufactures reciprocating compressors for heating and air-conditioning applications at its facility in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park. It is owned by York International. Bristol Compressors has been in Washington County since 1972 and has grown from three employees to approximately 2,300 employees today. It is the largest manufacturing employer in Southwest Virginia.

“I am pleased to see so many recent positive announcements in Southwest Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. “The 350 jobs being created by Bristol Compressors will certainly help to offset recent plant closings and layoffs in the region.”

“We are grateful that Bristol Compressors has selected Washington County as the location for this investment. These new jobs will help strengthen and diversify our local economy,” stated Joe Derting, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors.