Governor Kaine Announces Franklin County Selected as U.S. Headquarters for German Manufacturer

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH & Co. KG, a German manufacturer of non-woven composite materials for absorbency end uses, will invest $85 million to open its first United States manufacturing facility and headquarters in Franklin County’s Commerce Center. The new facility, which will use the company’s patented method to produce non-woven material without chemicals or glues, will employ 160 people. Virginia successfully competed with Kentucky for the project.

“McAirlaid’s plans to open its first U.S. facility and the company’s American headquarters really puts Franklin County on the map,” said Governor Kaine. “The company’s new, environmentally friendly method of production has rapidly increased the popularity of its non-woven product, and Franklin County provides the company with the perfect strategic location to enter the United States market. I am proud to welcome McAirlaid’s to our country and to the Commonwealth.”

McAirlaid’s Vliesstofffe GmbH & Co. KG, located in Heiligenstadt, Germany, is a privately held manufacturer of the latest innovative technology in non-woven absorbent materials used in a variety of products in the healthcare and medical/medical device, food and hygiene industries.

“Franklin County’s commitment to education through the public school system and job training programs, coupled with an existing workforce of highly motivated people with a strong work ethic, were key factors in McAirlaid’s site selection,” said Alexander Maksimow, CEO of McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe. “In combination with an emphasis on improving quality of life with recreational opportunities, conservation of the area’s natural beauty, and an equitable tax structure, Franklin County is a natural fit for McAirlaid’s.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Franklin County and the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Franklin County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $500,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will also support the project with training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program.

“Today’s announcement marks the largest investment in Franklin County by an international corporation, and demonstrates our community’s ability to successfully complete in the global marketplace,” said Wayne Angell, Chair of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors. “McAirlaid’s corporate presence and highly technical fabrication processes in Franklin County will bring significant diversification to our region’s employment and tax bases. Further, the company’s record of being a strong corporate citizen at their European sites convinces us that they will be an outstanding addition to our community.”