HENRY COUNTY - Virginia Governor Mark Warner today announced that Nautica Enterprises, Inc. will expand its distribution presence in Henry County’s Patriot Centre. A leading international fashion and lifestyle company, Nautica will create 150 new jobs through a $5 million investment. The building is connected to Nautica’s existing facility and will house a customer care center. The customer service operation is scheduled to be transitioned during the first quarter of 2002.
“Just two years ago, Nautica made the decision to locate a major distribution center in Henry County, Virginia and create 375 new jobs,” said Governor Warner. “To see a major company like Nautica expand its operations demonstrates the positive business climate here in Martinsville and Henry County. This announcement proves that an aggressive economic development strategy can play a major role in economic recovery.”
Nautica Enterprises, Inc. is a leading international fashion and lifestyle company with products ranging from sportswear and accessories to a complete home collection. Through its subsidiaries, the company designs, sources, markets and distributes apparel under the following brands: Nautica; Nautica Competition; NST- Nautica Sport Tech; Nautica Jeans Company; John Varvatos; Earl Jean; E. Magrath; and Byron Nelson.
“We are pleased to be locating the customer service operation in Henry County and appreciate the continuing efforts being made by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Henry County. We are also glad to be in a position to assist with the efforts to decrease unemployment in the County,” said Harvey Sanders, Chairman and CEO of Nautica Enterprises.
Governor Warner presented Henry County with a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist with the project. 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 $200,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity funds to help Nautica expand in Henry County. Nautica is eligible to obtain further tax credits through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development because they are expanding in an enterprise zone. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Henry County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.