Governor Northam Announces 31 New Jobs, Nearly $1 Million Investment in Northampton County

New Ravenna to expand tile design and manufacturing operation

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that New Ravenna, a designer and manufacturer of tiles for custom residential and commercial installations, will invest more than $900,000 to expand its manufacturing operation in Northampton County. The project will create 31 new jobs.

“New Ravenna has been a key corporate partner to Northampton County and Virginia since its founding nearly 30 years ago, and we are thrilled to see the company reinvesting in its hometown operation,” said Governor Northam. “As one of the Eastern Shore’s marquee companies, the global success of New Ravenna is an important example of what businesses can accomplish in rural Virginia. We look forward to many more years of growth for New Ravenna in the Commonwealth.”

New Ravenna is America’s premier designer and manufacturer of stone and glass mosaics for residential, commercial, and hospitality installations. The mosaics are fashioned into decorative borders, murals, fields, and medallions, and are made by hand in the company’s studio in Exmore. The mosaic materials are hand-selected from the finest resources around the world and are treated with various finishes to create distinctive styles, subtle shade variations, and textures. The installations are custom works of art in mosaic tile, which are often collaborative concepts from architects, interior designers, and homeowners. The mosaics retail in over 300 boutique tile, kitchen, and bath showrooms internationally.

“New Ravenna’s decision to expand its team is an exciting win for Northampton County, and a great testament to the Eastern Shore’s dedicated workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “With clients around the world, New Ravenna’s success demonstrates the momentum of Virginia’s manufacturing industry in nearly every region, as well as the convenient international access provided by The Port of Virginia for exporters. We are proud to support New Ravenna’s growth, and thank the company for creating 31 new, 21st-century jobs.”

“New Ravenna has called Virginia, and specifically, the town of Exmore, ‘home’ for all 27 years the company has been in business,” said New Ravenna Chief Executive Officer Richard Walters. “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a wide range of job functions in Northampton County while building an international brand. Thanks to the hundreds of artists, machinists, administrative professionals, and leaders who the company has employed in its history, as well as VEDP’s VJIP and VALET Programs, the world identifies New Ravenna as the most premier manufacturer in luxury tile. Because of the excellent resources provided by the state, county, and Town of Exmore, a local expansion makes perfect sense for our business. We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the local economy as we grow our capabilities and headcount.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) will support New Ravenna’s job creation through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens.

New Ravenna has also been accepted into VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. VALET is an application-based, two-year international export acceleration program.

“The continued success and growth of New Ravenna highlights the opportunities for businesses to prosper on the Eastern Shore of Virginia,” said Spencer Murray, Chairman, Northampton County Board of Supervisors. “The New Ravenna management and employees are to be commended for their incredible skills and hard work in achieving this level of success. Northampton County also wants to thank the Town of Exmore and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their tremendous efforts to help make this happen.”

“I was excited and pleased when I learned of New Ravenna’s decision to expand their current operations in Northampton County,” said Senator Lynwood Lewis. “Listed as a top-growing company in the U.S., New Ravenna’s world-class operations are a testament not only to the economic potential of the Eastern Shore and our skilled workforce, but also the growing cultivation of creative talent throughout our community. With the expansion of an internationally-acclaimed design and manufacturing operation, New Ravenna highlights for other companies looking to open or expand the type of success that can be harnessed by investing in the Eastern Shore.”

“It’s great to see a local company with deep roots on the Eastern Shore expanding,” said Delegate Rob Bloxom. “New Ravenna has been a strong contributor to Northampton County’s economy for many years, and we thank the company for reinvesting in Exmore and creating 31 new jobs. I look forward to New Ravenna’s continued growth, and congratulate them on their success.”