RICHMOND - From: Coy, Brian (GOV)
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2016 11:06 AM
To: Coy, Brian (GOV)
Subject: Governor McAuliffe Announces 76 New Jobs in Franklin County
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 7, 2016
Office of the Governor
Contact: Brian Coy
Email: brian.coy [at] governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Phone: (804) 545-5806
Email: sclark [at] yesvirginia.org
Ply Gem Windows
Contact: Ashley Eisner, G&S Business Communications
Phone: 212-697-2600, ext. 1287
Email: aeisner [at] gscommunications.com
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Ply Gem Windows, a subsidiary of leading North American exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Holdings, Inc., will invest $1.98 million to expand its manufacturing operation in the Town of Rocky Mount in Franklin County. The company will increase capacity for its vinyl window lines, creating 76 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed against Florida and Georgia for the project.
“Ply Gem Windows is the largest employer in Franklin County, and we are thrilled that the company continues to invest in the future of its manufacturing operation and create new jobs in the Commonwealth,” Governor McAuliffe said. “Advanced manufacturing is an industry of the future, and growing this important sector with expansions like Ply Gem moves us forward in our work to diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“The manufacturing industry continues to provide a great opportunity for job growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “I congratulate Ply Gem, the Town of Rocky Mount and Franklin County on this expansion and look forward to the company’s continued success in the region.”
Ply Gem produces a comprehensive product line of windows and patio doors, vinyl and aluminum siding and accessories, designer accents, cellular PVC trim and mouldings, vinyl fencing and railing, stone veneer and gutterware, used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling in the United States and Canada.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia, Franklin County and Town of Rocky Mount have done a great deal to make us feel at home and encourage Ply Gem Windows’ growth and success for this strategic location in our supply chain,” said Art Steinhafel, president, Ply Gem Windows. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the long-standing tradition of this facility in Rocky Mount and the dedicated associates who take pride in their work, producing a quality product day in and day out. We look forward to expanding our team and facility in this community.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Franklin County and the Town of Rocky Mount to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the Town and County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $160,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will also be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Franklin County is honored to be home to one of the nation’s leading building materials manufacturers in Ply Gem,” said Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman Cline Brubaker. “We know that Franklin County’s pro-business environment and elite workforce will allow the company to continue its trajectory of growth here in our community.”
“Ply Gem and its employees are a key part of Rocky Mount’s economy and its growth, and the Town of Rocky Mount is glad to support the development of additional jobs for our residents,” said Rocky Mount Mayor Steve Angle. “We are grateful that Ply Gem, our other industries and our economic development partners continue to see the importance of investing in Rocky Mount and its future.”
"Ply Gem has been an incredible partner with the citizens of Franklin County over the past years, and has proven that high-quality American-made products, like Ply Gem Windows, can once again be manufactured successfully in Southside Virginia,” said Senator William Stanley, member of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “With this announcement of plans to expand its Rocky Mount operations, Ply Gem has made a firm commitment to the people of our region. Likewise, the Commonwealth, by its investment of Tobacco Commission dollars, remains committed to Ply Gem and its employees, both now and in the future."
“Ply Gem has been a foundational industry in Rocky Mount and Franklin County for decades,” said Delegate Charles Poindexter. “This latest expansion is a great example of creating new jobs by growing an existing successful business, which has a long history of contributing to our great community. I am thankful to the Governor, VEDP, the Tobacco Commission, and local governments for their assistance in making this expansion possible.”