RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Franklin Braid will expand its operations in the City of Emporia. Through a $1.5-million investment, the project will create 25 new jobs at the company’s existing facility on Davis Street. Virginia successfully competed with Pennsylvania for the project.

“I am pleased to announce that Franklin Braid is reinvesting in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Warner. “This great company will create additional job opportunities for the people of Emporia and surrounding communities.”

HENRY COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced an agreement in principle for MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., the second-largest cabinet manufacturer in North America, to locate a manufacturing facility in Henry County. Through the company’s anticipated multi-million dollar investment in real estate and equipment, the new facility is expected to create more than 700 new jobs over the next seven years. The project is subject to final approval by the company’s Board of Directors.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Global Contact Services, LLC (GCS) will locate a customer contact center in Pulaski. Through a $1.35 million investment, GSC will create more than 300 new jobs in the former Advanced Health Services Building at 58 North Washington Avenue. Virginia successfully competed with West Virginia for the project, which is one of the New River Valley’s largest economic development announcements in more than three years.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Wachovia Securities LLC has confirmed it will expand its Virginia-based headquarters. Through more than an $8.3-million investment, the company will ultimately create more than 1,000 new jobs in the Greater Richmond Region. The expansion is the result of the July 1, 2003 combination of Wachovia Securities and Prudential Securities. Virginia successfully competed with other states for the project.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the creation of a community marketing specialist position for Southwest Virginia. Housed in VEDP’s research division, this region-based representative will serve as a direct liaison to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) staff in Richmond, ensuring VEDP project managers have the information they need to fully consider, properly recommend, and sell Southwest Virginia to economic development prospects.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that WaveLight Laser Technologie AG of Erlangen, Germany has selected Loudoun County for its U.S. headquarters. Through a $5 million investment, the company will create 30 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Illinois and Maryland for the project. 

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that 48,681new jobs and 4,944 saved jobs have been announced since he was sworn in as Governor in January 2002. During that time, Virginia has announced more than $6.2 billion in new capital investment. The data was compiled by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the state’s marketing arm charged with recruiting new businesses, helping existing businesses expand, and promoting Virginia exports overseas. Governor Warner met with 75 senior corporate executives today at the Executive Mansion.

ARLINGTON COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that the AES Corporation selected Arlington County as the location for its new, expanded global corporate headquarters. The new headquarters will create space for 115 new jobs that AES will add to join its current corporate group of 185 people located in Virginia. Through a $5 million investment, AES will build out a new corporate headquarters location to accommodate growth in the company. Virginia successfully competed with Washington, D.C. and Maryland for the project.

HENRY COUNTY - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Globaltex Inc. will locate its U.S. textile manufacturing operations in Henry County. The project will create 154 new jobs in three years. Through a $5.2-million investment, Globaltex plans to purchase a 77,000-square-foot facility previously occupied by VF. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and South Carolina for the project. Governor Warner announced the project this afternoon at an event in Henry County.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Musser Lumber Sales, Inc. will expand its existing operations in Wythe County. Through a $3 million investment, the company will create approximately 45 new jobs over three years. The expansion will allow Musser Lumber Sales to construct a gas-fired wood kiln, additional storage and production facilities, and a retail outlet. The company will also expand its production line to include value-added mouldings and flooring.