Lunenburg County Welcomes Largest Corporate Investment In Over 10 Years

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Greenridge Environmental Corporation, a start-up environmental remediation firm, will create 165 new jobs over 30 months in Lunenburg County. The company’s $9.5 million investment is Lunenburg County’s largest corporate investment in over 10 years. Virginia successfully competed with Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Ontario, Canada for the project.

“Greenridge has made the right decision by choosing Virginia to launch its environmental remediation company,” said Governor Warner. “This promising firm, committed to environmental matters, will further assist in diversifying Lunenburg County’s economy.”

Greenridge Environmental is a successor to a Canadian corporation involved in environmental remediation services since 1986. In Virginia, Greenridge brings senior-level expertise and professional experience in industrial services, bio-cell operations, sand/soil recycling, brownfield development and a variety of other remediation activities. The company will immediately begin operations and plans to hire environmental engineering technicians and highly skilled equipment operators.

“Virginia is ideally located on the eastern seaboard to service the many environmentally-challenged properties close to waterways and harbors. This central location allows us to easily commute to most locations on the East Coast,” said Ron Walmer, President of Greenridge Environmental. “We believe Lunenburg County provides us with the employee base necessary to form the highest level workforce available. Educational and training facilities are close. This community will successfully assist us in being the best environmental remediation company in the eastern region.” 

Governor Warner approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lunenburg County with the project. The county also obtained $200,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Lunenburg County assisted Greenridge Environmental with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

Kenbridge Mayor Richard W. Harris and Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sid Smyth are extremely pleased to have such a quality company locate in their community. The region has been hit hard by overseas competition in the furniture, textile and shoe industries, as well as down-sizing in the tobacco industry. Lunenburg County and the Town of Kenbridge are pleased to welcome this valuable investment to the region.