DANVILLE - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Columbia Flooring is expanding its manufacturing facility in Danville. The $13.5 million expansion will ultimately result in approximately 200 new jobs in Virginia’s Southside region. 

“Columbia Flooring’s decision to expand its operations in Danville further proves the company’s commitment to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Warner. “They recognize and will continue to reap the benefits of the strong work ethic in Southside Virginia and the availability of raw materials in the region.” 

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced that eight Virginia companies have been selected to participate in the state’s two-year VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) program. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade Matt Erskine attended the welcome event in Richmond today.

Richmond - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Cam Communications, Inc. (CAMCOM), a minority-owned provider of telecommunications related products and services, will expand its corporate headquarters in Fairfax County. Through a $400,000 investment, the company will create 31 new jobs. 

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Hopkins Lumber Company will invest $1.6 million and add 50 new jobs at its lumber and wood products manufacturing facility in Patrick County. Virginia successfully competed with Kentucky and Tennessee for the project.

“Hopkins Lumber’s decision to expand in its home state brings promising opportunities for Patrick County,” said Governor Warner. “This is a good example of how a local family-owned business has found a way to diversify and survive.”

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Mediatech, Inc. will construct its new corporate headquarters and a biotechnology manufacturing facility in Prince William County’s Innovation@ Technology Park. The company will add 100 new jobs through a $10 million investment. Mediatech is currently located in Fairfax County and employs 101 people, but growth needs caused the firm to search for a larger site.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that General Dynamics Land Systems has selected Prince William County as the location for its new high-technology engineering staff. This group will be headquartered at General Dynamics’ Woodbridge Technical Center starting in the fall of 2004, and will provide 150 new full time jobs with an average annual wage of $64,000. The company will invest approximately $2 million to upgrade the technical center.

AUGUSTA COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Hershey Chocolate of Virginia, Inc. will add an additional 110 jobs and invest $48 million to expand its Augusta County manufacturing facility. Virginia successfully competed with California and Pennsylvania for the project.

NINGBO, CHINA - Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that Ting Xu, Frank Qiu and James Xu, owners of Evergreen Enterprises based in Beilun, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, will acquire the assets of New Jersey-based Ashford Court, a division of Baron Industries, which operates a manufacturing facility on Commerce Road in the City of Richmond. 

SHANGHAI, CHINA - Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that the Henrico County Economic Development Authority has opened an office in Shanghai, China, in efforts to recruit Chinese companies and encourage partnerships between Chinese firms and Henrico businesses.

“I am pleased to see Henrico County take this step,” Governor Warner said. “The county can play a pioneering role among Virginia localities in pursuing business opportunities in China’s dynamic economy,” said Governor Warner. 

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that RJJ Tire Co., Inc. will locate a tire recycling facility in Shenandoah County. RJJ Tire will move its existing operation and seven employees from adjoining Frederick County, investing $3.1 million and creating 28 additional jobs. The Commonwealth successfully competed with West Virginia for the project.