RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Aspen Products Inc., a major supplier of white paper plates, design plates, cups, bowls and lunch bags, will invest $12 million to open a paper goods manufacturing facility in the City of Richmond. The company will create 190 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania for the project.
“I congratulate Aspen Products on its first Virginia facility,” said Governor Kaine. “The company needed a location centrally located on the east coast and the City of Richmond stepped up with a great building location and a ready workforce. This significant investment and employment opportunity will greatly benefit central Virginia.”
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Aspen Products is a privately held company that has met disposable plate needs for more than 30 years.
“The Richmond expansion is a terrific next step for our company to strengthen our existing customer relationships and create opportunities for new clientele along the East Coast of the United States,” said Shannon Walls, Plant Manager for the Richmond location. “We saw opportunities locating in the City of Richmond for its infrastructure support with rail service and fitting our vision for the expansion. It makes a good match for Aspen Products Inc. and the City of Richmond. I would be remiss if I did not thank the economic development professionals at the local, regional and state levels. We are looking forward to enhancing our customer service from our new Richmond location.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. The company is locating in a Virginia Enterprise Zone and is eligible to receive benefits through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“This is another example to show that the City of Richmond is a highly attractive place for businesses to locate,” said Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder. “What motivates a company like Aspen Products Inc. to come here is Richmond’s diverse business community, numerous resources and strong quality of life. We welcome Aspen Products to its new home in the City.”