RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Advance Auto Parts will invest $14 million and create 234 new jobs at an additional facility in the City of Roanoke. This decision comes after the company’s recent announcement that it would be acquiring the 668 store Florida-based Discount Auto Parts.
“Advance Auto Parts has chosen to expand in the Roanoke Valley because of the pro-business climate that Virginia provides,” said Governor Gilmore. “This decision is a testament to the strong relationship between the Commonwealth and Virginia’s existing businesses.”
Governor Gilmore approved a $670,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Roanoke with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership and the City of Roanoke assisted Advance with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
The company’s new office space will be located in the Crossroads Mall building in Roanoke. Virginia successfully competed with Florida for this investment. The investment will consist of upfit costs, furniture and equipment, and computer technology. The new employees will perform corporate administrative functions.
Larry Castellani, Chief Executive Officer of Advance, commented, “We’re extremely happy to announce this important expansion of our Roanoke Valley headquarters’ facilities and the opportunities that accompany them. As these jobs are added over the next two years, our total employment for the Roanoke Valley will exceed 2,000.”
Castellani continued, “I want to take this opportunity to thank Governor Gilmore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry DuVal, Mayor Ralph Smith, Roanoke City Council, Darlene Burcham, City Manager, as well as Chairman Fuzzy Minnix, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Elmer Hodge, and their respective staffs for the cooperative role they played in making this action possible. And, finally, tremendous recognition to the entire Advance Auto Parts team along with my sincere thanks for the results they are producing which makes all of this possible.”
“Advance Auto Parts is a quality employer,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. “The new jobs the company will create will certainly help the Commonwealth as a whole in this current economy.”
Advance Auto Parts is the primary trade name for Advance Stores Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Holding Corporation. Upon the completion of the Discount acquisition, Advance will have more than 2,400 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The company is based in Roanoke County, and is the second largest auto parts chain in the nation.
“While the city of Roanoke is the primary beneficiary of this expansion, the whole Roanoke Valley benefits from it,” said Roanoke Mayor Ralph Smith. “Indeed, today's announcement would not have been possible without the support of Roanoke County. Once again, regional cooperation has produced a win/win situation.”