RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Lindab USA, an international group that develops, manufactures and markets sheet metal products and system solutions, will invest $6 million to relocate its corporate headquarters from Stamford, Connecticut to its existing Portsmouth, Virginia manufacturing facility. The expansion will add 57 new jobs over three years to the current workforce of 115. Virginia successfully competed with Connecticut, Florida, and Tennessee for the project.
"A major issue for the company was a specific need for workforce training assistance that Virginia clearly met to Lindab's satisfaction," said Governor Warner. "Our innovative workforce training program has again delivered success in this competitive environment. This a great company and we're glad they will be headquartered here."
With more than 45 years of experience in the development, manufacturing and marketing of sheet-metal products, Lindab has become one of the leading international players in the construction and HVAC industries. In 1957, Lindab started out as a small sheet-metal shop in Lidhult, Sweden, and today has expanded to a worldwide business with representation in 26 countries, employing 3,700. Lindab's operational policy stipulates a proactive approach to quality with the focus on customer needs and minimum environmental impact.
"Virginia has been extremely easy to do business with (through several expansions) and it's much easier to recruit people to an area like this," said Dick McCullough, President of Lindab, Inc. "The headquarters move brings all of our sales and marketing functions down from the Northeast and dramatically improves the communication within our company. We've always had our production and financial management located here and this move allows us to consolidate our efforts.
"The City of Portsmouth seemed to be a logical choice-a strong union labor work force, several schools in the area for staff positions, and a growing vibrant area to attract out-of-state talent. Portsmouth has worked with us through building expansions by helping us train our work force. We've not been disappointed once!"
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Portsmouth to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide new jobs training and retraining assistance through its Workforce Services Program.
"The City of Portsmouth is honored to serve as the host city for the Lindab corporate headquarters," said Steven Lynch, City of Portsmouth Director of Economic Development. "Lindab's development and growth provides a perfect example of a successful business plan coming to fruition."
Employment inquiries should be made through the nearest office of the Virginia Employment Commission.