RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Norcraft Companies, LLC, a cabinet manufacturer, has chosen the City of Lynchburg as the location for its newest manufacturing facility. The company recently acquired StarMark, Inc. and will invest in excess of $1 million to convert the Lynchburg building to manufacture the company’s Mid Continent Cabinetry® product line. Norcraft will create 250 new jobs over the next 12 months as it expands production output at the Lynchburg plant. As a cabinet manufacturer, Norcraft will employ workers with skills found in the woodworking and furniture industries. The proximity of Lynchburg to these industries affords Norcraft a strong and viable labor source.
“The wood products industry employs more Virginians than any other manufacturing industry in the state and continues to serve as a foundation for Virginia's economic prosperity,” said Governor Warner. “I am certain Norcraft will become a valuable corporate citizen in the City of Lynchburg.”
A unique supplier to the cabinetry marketplace, Norcraft Companies offers a wide range of quality products across multiple categories and price points. Currently, Norcraft Companies employs over 1,600 people, boasts over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and assembly operations and exceeds $155 million in annual sales. The company ships to all 50 states from five plants, five distribution and regional service centers, and a national network of dealers and distributors.
“Having our newest plant located in Lynchburg allows Norcraft to compete more effectively in the growing east coast markets for kitchen cabinets,” said Fran Ploetz, Vice President of Operations for Norcraft Companies, LLC. “The choice of the Lynchburg plant was made after considering expansion options at our other plants in Kansas, Minnesota, Arizona, and North Carolina,” Ploetz added.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia’s Region 2000 and the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development are assisting Norcraft in its expansion efforts. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
Tomorrow, Governor Warner will make a series of job announcements across Southwest and Southside Virginia, in Wythe County, Henry County, Mecklenburg County, the City of Emporia, and Greensville County.