Governor Warner Announces Klockner Pentaplast Expansion in Wythe County

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Klöckner Pentaplast of America, Inc., a manufacturer of plastic film and shrink wrap, will invest $17 million to expand its Rural Retreat manufacturing facility in Wythe County, creating 54 new jobs. A previous expansion was announced in 2002. The company will focus its new investment on a film production center for United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-regulated vinyl films that will service the pharmaceutical and other FDA markets. Virginia successfully competed against Ohio and West Virginia for the project.

“Klöckner Pentaplast of America has made its home in Virginia since founding here in 1977,” said Governor Warner. “This announcement marks the company’s second expansion in just over two years, a tribute to Southwest Virginia’s excellent workforce. The collaboration and clear communication between state and local officials and the company made the deal possible.”

Klöckner Pentaplast of America, Inc., is the largest producer of high-quality rigid films in the Americas. The company's product line includes vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), BAREX®, ACLAR®-laminated, COC-laminated and -coated, and PVDC-coated films for pharmaceutical, medical device, food, electronics, and general-purpose thermoform packaging, as well as printing and specialty applications.

“Klöckner has built its success on superior products, quality, service and employees,” said Michael F. Tubridy, President, Klöckner Pentaplast of America, Inc. “This opportunity in Rural Retreat has become a reality due to the dedication and work ethic of the people working in the region for the past 11 years. We are equally committed to the people here. I sincerely appreciate the cooperation and support we have received from the local and state initiatives that have helped us create new jobs that benefit the entire community.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Wythe County, the Town of Rural Retreat, the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County, and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Warner approved a $125,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Wythe County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $125,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training through its Workforce Services Program.

"It is rewarding to see the continued growth and success of Klöckner Pentaplast of America,” said Wythe B. Sharitz, Chairman, Wythe County Board of Supervisors. “With this current expansion, KPA will become Wythe County's largest manufacturing employer."