HILLSVILLE - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that AmerLink, Inc., a manufacturer of log homes, will invest $3 million to open its first Virginia plant in Carroll County. The project will create 200 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.

“AmerLink will take advantage of two of Southwest Virginia’s great assets: a vital forestry industry and a strong workforce,” said Governor Warner. “They make a great product and the investment in Carroll County is a great endorsement for the region.”

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Merck & Co., Inc. will invest $40 million to prepare its facility in Elkton to support the production of a vaccine candidate in the company’s pipeline. The investment will include construction of a new building on its property and the installation of new manufacturing equipment for the process.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building materials for construction and remodeling, will invest $132 million to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in the City of Norfolk. The project creates 25 new jobs; secures the existing 116 jobs and prevents the plant from relocating to another state. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and South Carolina for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Virtus Marketing, a call center that located a start-up operation in the City of Norton in early 2004, will invest $100,000 to expand its operations. The expansion will create 35 new jobs.

“When it comes down to it, Virginia’s strong work ethic is our best selling point,” said Governor Warner. “Virtus Marketing’s need to expand after only one year in business is a great success story built on the solid performance of its workers. I am proud the company has again chosen Virginia.”

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Lindstrand USA, Inc., a manufacturer of inflatable structures such as flood barriers, portable bridges and aircraft hangars, will invest $2.5 million to open its first U.S. aeronautical fabric engineering and manufacturing facility in South Boston. The project will create 50 new jobs in the region. Virginia successfully competed with California, Kentucky and Texas for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that BondCote Corporation, a manufacturer of coated and laminated industrial fabrics, will invest $2.7 million to expand production in the Town of Pulaski. The company will add 27 new jobs to its current payroll of more than 150 employees. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and West Virginia for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner tonight announced that Texturing Services Inc., a manufacturer of custom specialty yarns, is investing $14 million to relocate its operations to Henry County from Reidsville, N.C. The manufacturing facility will move into the Bassett Walker Building and plans to employ 200 people in the next 30 months. The Governor made the announcement during his annual State of the Commonwealth address.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that FreightCar America, Inc. will lease a portion of Norfolk Southern’s East End shops in the City of Roanoke to manufacture railroad freight cars. By way of a $5.5 million investment, the project will create 400 new jobs in the next 30 months that include mechanical assemblers, welders and painters. Virginia successfully competed with Illinois and Indiana for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner tonight announced that Ten Oaks, LLC, a new hardwood products manufacturer, is investing more than $6 million to open in Patrick County. The project will create 150 new jobs in Southwest Virginia. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project. The Governor made the announcement during his annual State of the Commonwealth speech.