RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Water World Fiberglass Pools, N.E. Inc. will invest $3 million to open a facility in the Buckingham County Industrial Park, creating 100 new jobs. Up to 50 additional employees will be hired for seasonal demands. The company will manufacture fiberglass swimming pools. Virginia successfully competed with Louisiana for the project.
“A goal of our administration’s economic development strategic plan is to focus on the needs of rural communities,” said Governor Kaine. “Today’s announcement is a great example of how we can work together to reduce economic disparity across the state. One hundred new jobs is great news for Buckingham County, and I look forward to Water World growing in Virginia.”
Water World Fiberglass Pools, N.E. Inc., manufactures one-piece fiberglass swimming pools, diving pools, and swim spas. Customers can buy factory direct, eliminating a middleman, and pools are delivered within two weeks and installed in one day. The company operates three additional facilities in Georgia, New Jersey and Texas.
“We were impressed with Virginia and particularly Buckingham County from the beginning of this process,” said Al Tallman, President of Water World Fiberglass Pools, N.E. Inc. “Virginia’s quality of life, first-class school system, and pro-business climate were key factors in our decision. Our location in Buckingham County Industrial Park will allow us to better serve our market.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Buckingham County and the Commonwealth Regional Council to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program.
“On behalf of the citizens of Buckingham County, I welcome Water World to Buckingham County,” said Rebecca S. Carter, Buckingham County Administrator. “This is an exciting paramount opportunity for Buckingham County, our region, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for Water World.”