RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Jennmar Corporation of East Virginia, Inc., a provider of quality roof and standing support products for the mining and tunneling industry, will invest $2.65 million to expand its facility in Giles County. The company, which acquired Commonwealth Bolt, Inc. in May 2008, will create 50 jobs and retain 23 positions. The plant will manufacture steel-related roof control products for the mining and construction industry. Virginia successfully competed with Kentucky and West Virginia for the project.
“Jennmar’s acquisition and expansion of an existing Virginia company will bring great growth opportunities,” said Governor Kaine. “The addition of 50 jobs and retention of 23 positions reinforces that Jennmar, which operates other facilities in Virginia, is an important corporate partner to both the Commonwealth and Giles County. This project demonstrates the strength of the mining industry in Southwest Virginia.”
Jennmar, a subsidiary of Frank Calandra, Inc. & Subsidiaries, originated as a proprietorship in 1922 by Mary and Frank Calandra, Sr., parents of Jennmar’s two common stockholders, Jack Calandra and Frank Calandra, Jr. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jennmar Corporation offers coal and hard rock producers a technologically advanced line of roof control products. Jennmar now operates 11 manufacturing plants spread throughout the United States. Of its 11 facilities, 10 are related to manufacturing ground control products, and the 11th is a steel service center that supplies Jennmar and outside customers with a steady flow of flat steel products. Globally, Jennmar operates an additional five manufacturing facilities; three of which are located in Australia, one in China, and its newest is being built in Canada.
“The $2.65 million investment towards the existing facility in Giles County adds to Jennmar Corporation’s specialty product line and adds to production efficiency,” said Frank Calandra, Jr., President and CEO of Jennmar Corporation. “The marriage of the two companies was very successful.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Giles County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved $100,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Giles County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Giles County Industrial Development Chairman, Dr. S. Lee Wheeler, stated, “We are very pleased that Jennmar has decided to expand its operations in Giles County. We are very appreciative of the assistance provided by Governor Kaine and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The creation of 50 new jobs in a rural community, particularly during these tough economic times, will have a huge impact on our local economy.”