RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that ABB, a leading provider of power and automation products, systems, solutions and services, will invest $3 million to expand its plant in Bland County. The facility, which produces dry and vacuum cast transformers used by industrial manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, the military, and utilities, will create 30 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed internationally with China, South Korea, and Spain for the project.
In addition, Governor Kaine announced ABB’s expansion plans at its Halifax County facility today. Combined, the projects bring 157 new jobs and a $28.3 million investment to Virginia.
“I want to thank ABB U.S. for this additional investment and 157 new jobs for Virginians,” said Governor Kaine. “Virginia’s proactive business climate and qualified workforce helped facilitate the company’s continued success in the Commonwealth. This announcement marks ABB’s second expansion in Bland in the past three years, and the company is one of the largest employers in the region.”
“The ABB Bland facility was selected because of our employees' dedication to continuous improvement and their recognition in the industry for high-quality products and service,” said Laura Kennedy, Vice President and General Manager, ABB Bland Facility. “Our strategy is simple: to provide quality products and services which meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. This strategy has provided continued business growth and stimulated an enthusiastic, driven workforce that protects our role as the world’s leading manufacturer of dry-type medium voltage transformers.”
The Bland facility expansion will provide increased manufacturing capacity.
ABB says growing demand for large wind turbines has triggered a corresponding rise in demand for dry type transformers. Dry type transformers are utilized in large wind turbines because they can be placed inside the nacelle close to the generator as opposed to on the ground, eliminating the need for additional cables.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. In the United States, ABB employs more than 8,500 workers in 32 states, and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. Worldwide, the ABB Group, headquartered in Zurich, employs about 105,000 people in approximately 100 countries.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Bland County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $75,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Bland County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $75,000 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.
“The County of Bland is well pleased to host another existing industry expansion within our community,” said Henry M. Blessing, Chairman, Bland County Board of Supervisors. “We feel that ABB’s continued investment is a strong indication of Bland County’s world-class workforce and Virginia’s pro-business environment. The cooperation between the Bland County EDA, the Governor’s Office, the Tobacco Commission, VEDP and DBA was perfectly orchestrated to deliver the suite of services necessary to support this expansion and ensure ABB’s ongoing success.”