RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Camrett Logistics Inc., a full service third party logistics (3PL) company that serves Virginia and the surrounding region, will invest $2.125 million to expand its operation in Pulaski County. The project will create 38 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Camrett Logistics is a valued Virginia business established in 1995 that has grown to six locations in the Commonwealth. This impressive company offers material solutions to manufacturers and distribution companies, a vital service to help us grow our advanced manufacturing industry. Growing this important sector will help us diversify and build a new Virginia economy, and this expansion will bring much-needed jobs to Pulaski County.”
“We are very encouraged by the addition of new jobs in Pulaski County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Advanced manufacturing continues to be one of the industries with great growth prospects in the Commonwealth. This expansion is a testament to the superior workforce, business climate and infrastructure in Southwest Virginia, and we look forward to continuing this great partnership with Camrett.”
Started by Collin Peel in 1995 with one straight truck and a 10,000-square-foot warehouse in Rural Retreat, Virginia, Camrett has expanded to warehouses and over-the-road transportation in more than three states. Camrett Logistics offers warehousing, distribution, consolidation, kitting, transportation, and a handful of other logistics services.
“We are excited to be expanding into the Radford community,” said Collin Peel, President of Camrett Logistics Inc. “The old AT&T building (as it was known) is a well-built facility that needs some tender loving care. We have started replacing parts of the roof, removing all the old lighting and duct work and replacing them with the latest high-efficiency lighting and gas powered heaters. The employees that have joined us here in Radford have been truly amazing—start-up operations are often chaotic, and these new employees did what was necessary to keep the customer happy. Our goal is to have the full facility 100 percent warehouse-ready by March 2016. We will seek local manufactures and new ones wishing to expand their operations into the south side of the building. The full facility has nearly 600,000 square feet of space, 27 dock doors and an abundance of offices available. Camrett, as a whole, manages over 1.4 million square feet in Southwest Virginia.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Pulaski 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. Camrett will also receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by VEDP.
“It is exciting for our county to have a once-closed manufacturing facility open and employing Pulaski County residents, and even better is that it will be occupied by a company that is already in Pulaski County—Camrett Logistics,” said Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “We are excited that Camrett will expand their operations in our county and add to our local economy. The 38 jobs that will be created in Pulaski County represent 38 families that will contribute in a positive way to our community.”
“A strong logistics network requires many partners working together to support the import and export needs of Virginia’s manufacturers and distributors,” said John Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “This strategic decision by Camrett Logistics to reinvest in Virginia strengthens the Commonwealth’s international logistics network, reinforces Virginia’s position as business location, creates jobs for Pulaski County and contributes to the growth of The Port of Virginia. Camrett is expanding and we are pleased that the port has a role in the company’s future.”
I am pleased to learn that Camrett Logistics’ investment in Pulaski County will result in 38 much-needed jobs and a vital boost to our local economy,” said Delegate Nick Rush. “I commend the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the local government representatives of Pulaski County for their efforts in making this project possible. I am grateful for Camrett Logistics’ commitment to the New River Valley and hope for its continued success for years to come.