The Major Eligible Employer Grant Program (MEE) is a discretionary program used to encourage major basic employers to invest in Virginia and to provide a significant number of stable employment opportunities by either making a significant expansion to existing operations or constructing new ones. There must be an active and realistic competition between Virginia and another state or country for attracting the project. ­­

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Mayville Engineering Company, Inc. (MEC) will invest $10 million to expand its Virginia operations at a new manufacturing facility in the former Merillat plant in Atkins in Smyth County. The company operates a successful manufacturing facility with 83 employees in nearby Wytheville. The Smyth County project will create 160 new jobs.

INDEPENDENCE - Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced in Grayson County that Independence Lumber (http://www.indlbr.com) is rebuilding and expanding production at its sawmill operation that was destroyed by fire in November of 2012. The company will invest more than $5 million, retain 57 current jobs, create 25 new jobs at the site, and purchase 90 percent of its timber needs from Virginia forests.

RICHMOND - Hansen Turbine, a manufacturer of coating spray applications for the aircraft and turbine parts coating industry, will invest $2.5 million to expand operations in Grayson County. Sister company Falcon Turbine will relocate from North Carolina to the facility, providing specialized aluminized coatings. The project will create 25 new jobs.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the economic results for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, which ended June 30. In 1995, the Virginia General Assembly created the VEDP to better serve those seeking a prime business location and increased trade opportunities, and, therefore, to foster increased expansion of the Commonwealth's economy.

VEDP-assisted projects generate a steady revenue source for the Commonwealth, increasing its ability to fund the important needs for Virginia’s citizens.

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Continental, a leading international automotive supplier, will invest approximately $150 million to expand its operation in the City of Newport News. The investment will start up turbocharger production and increase production of Continental’s gasoline high pressure injector, fuel rail and pump assembly lines. This is the first time Continental plans to produce turbochargers in the U.S. Virginia successfully competed against Mexico for the project, which will create approximately 500 new jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Volvo Group will invest $38.1 million at the New River Valley (NRV) assembly facility in Pulaski County, where all Volvo Trucks models for North America are assembled. The investment will allow Volvo to make several plant upgrades and build a 36,000-square-foot Volvo Trucks Customer Experience Center on the NRV grounds. In addition to the investment, Volvo will add 32 new jobs at NRV.

Richmond - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Friant and Associates, a manufacturer of custom office furniture, will invest $17.4 million to establish its first Virginia operation at the CenterPoint Intermodal Center in the City of Suffolk. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland for the project, which will create 166 new jobs.

Richmond - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that McKee Foods Corporation will invest $34 million to expand production at its manufacturing facility in Stuarts Draft in Augusta County. Virginia successfully competed against Arkansas for the project, which will create 54 new jobs.

Richmond - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Stone Brewing Co., the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States, will, pending city approvals next week, invest $74 million to construct a production brewery, packaging hall, destination restaurant, gardens, retail store and administrative offices in the City of Richmond. Virginia was selected among more than 20 states that submitted proposals after Stone’s request for proposal was sent out in January.