RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Alderman Railcar Services, Inc. will invest $3.5 million to open a repair and fabrication shop for the railcar industry in Charlotte County Industrial Park in Keysville. The project will create 110 new jobs paying an average annual salary of $30,000.
“It is great news that Alderman Railcar Services is making this investment and creating jobs in Charlotte County,” Governor Kaine said. “The company offers above-average salaries with benefits, and will serve an important role in the Southside economy.”
Alderman Railcar Services, Inc. owner William H. Alderman, Jr. also owns and operates AB’s Welding & Fabricating, Inc. in Crewe, which manufactures a railcar lid system. Demand for rail access to perform various repairs and modifications to railcars prompted the need for Alderman Railcar Services, Inc.
“It is with great pleasure to remain a Southside Virginia-based company,” said Alderman. “I am confident that my loyalty to Southside Virginia will be beneficial to the surrounding communities as well as to the growth and prosperity of the company.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Charlotte County, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and the Commonwealth Regional Council to negotiate the Commonwealth’s incentive package. Governor Kaine approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Charlotte County with site preparation for the project. The County also obtained $250,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. The company is eligible for rail access funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The company also is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
“The Charlotte County Industrial Development Authority provided invaluable assistance to make this project possible,” said Russell B. Clark, Charlotte County Administrator. “This project not only provides needed employment, but greatly impacts the future of rail expansion in Virginia’s Heartland.”