PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Standard Motor Products, Inc. will expand its automotive parts distribution center in Prince George County. Through a $3 million investment, the company will create 175 new jobs. The expansion is a result of Standard Motor’s June 2003 acquisition of Dana Corporation’s Engine Management Division. Virginia successfully competed with Tennessee for the investment.
The announcement is one of four automotive expansions that Governor Warner unveiled today, totaling more than 400 new jobs and $58 million in capital investment across the state. The Commonwealth’s automotive and automotive parts manufacturing facilities employ more than 25,000 Virginians. Governor Warner – an active supporter of the industry – traveled to the Detroit area earlier this year to meet with automotive executives at the Automotive News World Congress. In June, Governor Warner joined Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, Jr. at the company’s 100th Anniversary Celebration launching the new F-150 at Ford’s Norfolk Assembly Plant.
“Standard Motor’s distribution center is a major employer in Prince George County, and I am pleased the company has chosen Virginia for these 175 new jobs,” said Governor Warner. “The state’s pro-business climate continues to appeal to existing Virginia companies as well as those considering Virginia as a future home.”
Standard Motor Products, Inc. is one of the largest automotive aftermarket manufacturers in the world. The company is headquartered in Long Island City, New York, with more than 20 factories and distribution centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe and the Far East. Standard Motor’s parts are sold throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia by traditional warehouse distributors and auto parts stores, as well as major retail stores.
“Our ability to attract dedicated employees, combined with the region’s pro-business environment is why Prince George County was chosen for this expansion,” said Michael Paulus, Standard Motor General Manager, Engine Management Group.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia’s Gateway Region and Prince George County assisted Standard Motor with its decision to expand. The company is eligible for tax credits based on its location in an enterprise zone. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.