RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that EcomNets, a company dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems, will invest $1.94 million to establish a green computer, server and storage area network manufacturing operation in Danville. The project will create 160 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell commented, “Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, and with another location in Sterling, EcomNets already has a strong presence in the Commonwealth, with this new facility in Danville the company will strengthen its operations in Virginia. The company’s mission to manufacture energy efficient computers is vital to our efforts to decrease energy use and its effects on our environment. In addition, this investment and 160 new jobs will be important to the residents of Southern Virginia, who will welcome EcomNets with an available workforce.”
EcomNets is recognized as a leading green Information Technology (IT) solutions provider, business process management and IT governance integration company that develops highly innovative, rapidly implemented, and extremely cost-effective enterprise integration solutions. These solutions are currently delivered to a wide range of IT clients within the Fortune 2000 and government agencies.
“The City of Danville welcomed us with open arms,” said Raj Kosuri, CEO of EcomNets. “We met with the Mayor and the City of Danville Office of Economic Development on our first visit to Danville, and from there it has been nothing but smooth sailing. Their support, guidance, and incentives helped us come to a decision to move our green technology center to Danville. For every 500 Verdio Green PCs sold, we can create one job in Virginia.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville to secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $500,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company is also eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit.
“This announcement is another example of how our region is working to provide cutting-edge opportunities for all of our people,” said Danville Mayor Sherman Saunders. “The jobs that EcomNets is bringing to us will create a new source of employment and income, and help establish Danville as an up-and-coming location for green technology companies. This is an occasion for all of us to celebrate the rewards of hard work and creative vision. Danville began an economic development strategy a decade ago that incorporates technology as a way to address the future prosperity of the region.”
On behalf of the Tobacco Commission, Delegate Danny Marshall stated, “Bringing new jobs to our region is always our number one priority. We are excited to be a part of EcomNets’ decision to establish 160 green IT manufacturing jobs in Southside Virginia. It is a great day for our area and for our workforce.”
About the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan.