RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Alfa Laval will expand its operations in Henrico County with the addition of a new valve and pump manufacturing facility. The $10 million expansion will be adjacent to the company’s current facility in the International Business Park. Alfa Laval presently employs approximately 250 people in the Richmond area and will create 100 new jobs with this expansion.
“I am pleased that Alfa Laval’s positive business experience in Virginia has led to this current expansion,” says Governor Gilmore. “The Commonwealth’s economy continues to grow with every existing Virginia business expansion announcement.”
After evaluating the previously announced considerations between Kenosha, Wisconsin and the current site in Henrico County, the decision was made to locate in Virginia. Governor Gilmore approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henrico County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Greater Richmond Partnership and Henrico County assisted Alfa Laval with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“Our positive development over the past 11 years, coupled with the experienced infrastructure of our existing Richmond manufacturing operations, makes this a logical and synergistic move for our USA produced valves and pumps manufacturing,” says Kirk E. Spitzer, President and CEO of Alfa Laval Inc. “Needless to say, we are excited about this opportunity and look forward to a prosperous future alongside the people and businesses of Henrico County.”
Earlier this year Alfa Laval opened a shared services center in Glen Allen, which employs approximately 50 people and is also located in Henrico County. The facility is the central location for the administrative support capabilities for the 10 U.S. Alfa Laval locations. It also houses a consolidated data center, as well as the accounting and finance, procurement and payroll/benefits departments.
“For the past 11 years, Alfa Laval has been a quality corporate citizen in Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. “This expansion only strengthens the bond between Alfa Laval and the Commonwealth, and it will aid in the continued success of both.”
Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and solutions that help
its customers heat, cool, separate and transport products such as oil, water, chemicals, beverages, foodstuff, starch and pharmaceuticals. It is part of a worldwide organization that works closely with customers in almost 100 countries.