GRAYSON COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Harvest Pharmaceuticals Inc., a newly-formed pharmaceutical sales and distribution company, will locate a marketing call center and warehouse/distribution facility in Grayson County. Through a $3.3 million investment, the company plans to create 30 new jobs over the next 30 months. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.
“Unfortunately, Grayson County has taken several economic hits in the past few years,” said Governor Warner. “Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction for this Southwest Virginia community. Harvest Pharmaceuticals is a promising company that plans to pay competitive wages. I am pleased to see these new jobs opportunities in Grayson County, and I look forward to this company’s rapid growth.”
Harvest Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical sales and distribution company. The Company plans to locate in the Parsons and Rives Building in the Town of Independence and commence operations in July of this year. Initial employees will include telephone sales and
customer service agents, information technology support, and warehouse/order fulfillment staff. As Harvest Pharmaceutical grows, its management anticipates hiring additional employees in these areas as well as other professional staff.
“From our prior experience in the founding and development of General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc., in Bland County, Virginia, we know the quality and customer service orientation of the workforce in Southwest Virginia,” said Randal Kirk, Harvest Pharmaceutical’s Chairman.
Governor Warner approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Grayson County with the project. U.S. Congressman Rick Boucher was instrumental in securing this project for Virginia. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Mount Rogers Partnership (Virginia’s aCORRIDOR), and Grayson County assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“The residents of Grayson County are proud that such a company has chosen to locate here, and I want to thank Governor Mark Warner and the executives of Harvest Pharmaceuticals for the tremendous cooperation they have provided to my office," said Congressman Rick Boucher. "With today's announcement, we can celebrate a tremendous victory for the economy of our region and another milepost in our effort to diversify the economy by attracting 21st Century technology-based jobs to Southwest Virginia."