RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Dan River Inc., a leading textile producer, will expand its facilities in the Town of Brookneal and the City of Danville. Approximately 85 new jobs will be added in Brookneal through a $2 million investment. The Danville facility will gain 50 new jobs through an investment of $4 million. Virginia successfully competed with several other states as Dan River evaluated the projects.
“I am pleased that Dan River is growing in Virginia despite the recent downturn in the textile industry,” said Governor Gilmore. “The dedicated people in Danville and Brookneal will help Dan River maintain its stability through quality work.”
State Senator Charles Hawkins, Chair of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, was helpful in securing this project for the Commonwealth by helping to obtain $175,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity funds to assist with the expansions in Brookneal and Danville. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Region 2000, Campbell County, the Town of Brookneal and the City of Danville assisted the company with its decisions. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services for both locations.
Key additional factors in Dan River’s decision to expand its facilities in Virginia were the proximity to existing facilities and the availability of an experienced workforce.
Dan River Inc. is a leading producer of textile products for the home and fabrics for apparel. The company also has a division that treats yarn and fabrics for industrial applications such as belts and hoses. Its facilities spin raw fiber into yarn, weave a variety of fabrics, and either finish the fabrics and sew home fashions products or sell fabric for use in apparel and other uses. Dan River operates 13 facilities and employs over 4200 people in the state of Virginia.
“Dan River has operated facilities in Virginia since 1882,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Joshua N. Lief. “By expanding in Virginia, the company has shown true confidence in our business climate and labor force.”