RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Carry-On Trailer Corporation, a manufacturer of utility trailers, will create 75 new jobs through a $2.5 million investment in Westmoreland County. The company’s investment will allow it to build an 85,000-square-foot facility in the Westmoreland Industrial Park. The expansion will save an additional 65 existing Virginia jobs as Carry-On Trailer transitions its operations from its current manufacturing facility in Northumberland County. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia for the project.
“Carry-On Trailer Corporation began its operations in Virginia,” said Governor Warner. “I am pleased this company chose the Commonwealth for this expansion, which will be its largest manufacturing facility. These new jobs, with higher-than-average salaries for Westmoreland County, will benefit the people of this rural region.”
Headquartered in Lavonia, Georgia, Carry-On Trailer manufactures utility trailers typically found at major hardware and farm/home retail outlets. The company currently has manufacturing operations in Virginia, Georgia, Iowa and Texas. Construction on Carry-On Trailer’s new facility will begin in January 2004, and is scheduled for completion in September 2004. The company purchases most if its raw materials from Virginia suppliers. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Division of International Trade has recently provided assistance in helping Carry-On Trailer enter the Canadian market.
“Carry-On Trailer wanted to relocate, if possible, near our existing Virginia location because of our trained workforce,” said J. Pearson, President of Carry-On Trailer Corporation. “The incentives offered by Westmoreland County and the Commonwealth of Virginia allowed us to meet our goal.”
Governor Warner approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Westmoreland County with the project. Carry-On Trailer is eligible to receive tax credits because it is locating in an enterprise zone. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Westmoreland County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.