EMPORIA - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that American Plastics, Inc. will locate a new manufacturing facility in Greensville County. Through a $5.3 million investment, the company will create 135 new jobs and preserve 20 existing jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and Tennessee for the project. Governor Warner and made the announcement today at the Emporia-Greensville Industrial Development Corporation’s Existing Industry & Business Celebration. Virginia Secretary of Commerce & Trade Michael J. Schewel was also in attendance.
Over a 24 hour period, Governor Warner will make six economic development announcements across Southside and Southwest Virginia, totaling 1208 new jobs, 180 saved jobs, and more than $50 million in private investment. Including today’s announcements, Governor Warner has announced more than 3,750 new jobs and nearly $290 million in investment in Southside and Southwest since taking office in January. Statewide, Governor Warner has announced more than 22,000 new jobs and $2.32 billion in investment.
“American Plastics will create new jobs for Greensville County, helping to further diversify the region’s economy,” said Governor Warner. “This expanding company is a valuable part of Virginia’s thriving plastics industry.”
American Plastics, Inc. is a manufacturer of plastic storage containers, and organizational items such as trash cans and storage boxes. The company is currently headquartered in the City of Franklin, where it operates in a leased space with 20 employees. The investment and relocation to Greensville County will allow American Plastics to continue with forecasted expansion programs designed to expand its product line and diversify its customer base. The company will occupy the 80,000-square-foot Greensville Shell Building located in the Greensville Industrial Park. Once construction on the facility is complete, the company plans to install twelve injection molding machines with clamping forces between 350 and 1800 tons. Hiring for the facility will begin in the fall of 2003.
“Because our customers’ distribution centers are located in mid Atlantic or mid South states, Southside Virginia offers a convenient ship point and considerable freight savings to them. We selected Virginia because it was in the best interest of the company and its employees,” said James A. Standing, American Plastics CEO.
Governor Warner approved a $120,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Greensville County with the project. The county also obtained $150,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. American Plastics is also eligible to receive further tax credits because it is locating in an enterprise zone. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Emporia-Greensville Industrial Development Corporation and Greensville County assisted American Plastics with its decision. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will assist with rail access funding. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.