RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Filtration Specialties Inc., a designer and manufacturer of high-performance filtration media for high temperature applications, will invest $1.5 million to open a facility in Mecklenburg County. The company will manufacture fiberglass felt for the filtration industry, creating 10 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Massachusetts for the project.
“Mecklenburg County is a great fit for Filtration Specialties’ Virginia manufacturing operations,” said Governor Kaine. “The company is able to modify an existing facility that meets production needs and is in close proximity to its sales office in Virginia Beach. The Commonwealth’s business-friendly environment provided affirmation to Filtration Specialties to seal the deal.”
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Filtration Specialties is the world leader in the production of needled fiberglass felts for the filtration industry. The company’s products have been used in pulsejet filter bags for more than 20 years and in high temperature filter cartridges for more than 15 years.
“Mecklenburg County provides Filtration Specialties with the best balanced choice we could find for a stable workforce, affordable real estate and excellent infrastructure,” said company President Michael Swink. “Most importantly, everyone that was involved at the state and local level always wanted to know what they could do to help us. It is so refreshing to be made to feel welcome.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Mecklenburg County to secure the project for Virginia. 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.
Glenn Barbour, Chairman, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors said, “We are excited to have attracted Filtration Specialties and look forward to helping the business grow and expand in the future here in Mecklenburg County.”