RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Ride-Away Corporation, a New Hampshire-based manufacturer of modified vehicles for disabled persons, will locate two new offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. By way of a $1.3 million investment, the first of the two projects will create 20 new jobs in the City of Richmond. The office will be located at 232 East Belt Boulevard and open by June 1, 2004. In the City of Norfolk, the second project will create 25 new jobs over the next 30 months through a $1 million investment. The Norfolk office will be located at 6059 East Virginia Beach Boulevard. This facility is scheduled to open by July 1, 2004. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and North Carolina for both projects.
“Today’s announcement is a wonderful achievement for both Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond,” said Governor Warner. “Ride-Away fills a vital transportation need for customers throughout the Northeast, and we’re pleased the company chose to call Virginia home.”
Since 1986, Ride-Away’s only business has been providing transportation solutions for disabled drivers and passengers. As the Northeast’s largest supplier of handicapped-modified vehicles, Ride-Away produces all levels of modifications from high tech driving systems to complete customizing. The company also sells new and previously owned vehicles including a large selection of full size and mini-vans.
Mark Lore, President of Ride-Away, explains that the company chose Virginia because of its “positive attitude and energy for inviting new business into the area.” Lore also stated that “everyone we have dealt with has been tremendously helpful in ensuring that this transition works smoothly. Ride-Away is a business that gives back to the community, so Norfolk, Richmond, and Ride-Away will all benefit from this partnership.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership first met with Ride-Away executives during a marketing mission to New England in 2003. The Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, the City of Norfolk, the Greater Richmond Partnership and the City of Richmond all assisted with Ride-Away’s site selection decisions for Virginia.