RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Rogers Foam Corporation, a fabricator of engineered foam products, will invest $1.4 million to open a manufacturing facility in Scott County, creating 50 new jobs.
“These new jobs are great news as we continue to work to further diversify the economy of southwest Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “This impressive global company was attracted to the region because Virginia offers a high quality of life for employees, a trained workforce, and proximity to some of the company’s major customers.”
Headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, Rogers Foam has been fabricating engineered foam products for custom applications for more than 60 years. Industries served include automotive, high-tech, medical, consumer products, transportation, sports and leisure, and military. The company employs more than 500 people at facilities in the U.S., Mexico, and Asia.
“Rogers Foam Corporation has built a reputation for innovative engineering solutions, uncompromising quality and exemplary customer service for nearly 60 years,” said Matthew H. Rogers, PhD, Owner/Director, Rogers Foam Corporation. “Virginia’s favorable business climate, strategic location, skilled workforce and proximity to major customers were all important in our decision to invest in a new plant in Duffield. We look forward to a beneficial partnership with Scott County and the Commonwealth of Virginia as we expand our operations to better serve existing customers and support our future growth.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Scott County Economic Development Authority and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $100,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds to support the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, because it is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Once again, this proves how important the Virginia Tobacco Commission’s role is in fostering a new generation of employment in the historical burley-growing region of Southwest Virginia, by offering strategic investments to bring new jobs,” said Senator William Wampler. “Rogers Foam is a great example of the diversity in employment we have sought.”
“This announcement today will help bring total employment in the Duffield Regional Industrial Park to nearly 2000—a remarkable turnaround over the last several years. In 1996, when the park was named a Virginia Enterprise Zone, total employment was just over 800,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Vice Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Commission. “We’re proud to have Rogers Foam as a part of this continuing success story.”
“Scott County is pleased to welcome Rogers Foam to our business community,” said Dr. David Redwine, Chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors. “They will add significant opportunities and investment.”