Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, has announced that the Volvo Group will invest nearly $400 million to expand its Volvo Trucks North America New River Valley (NRV) assembly operation in Pulaski County. Major components of the investment include a new 350,000-sq. ft. building that will ultimately house truck cab welding operations; an expansion of the existing plant to allow for further improvements to the facility's paint operations and overall material/production flow; and a variety of equipment upgrades, including installation of several dynamometers for vehicle testing. Volvo considered sites in multiple other states for the expansion project, which will create 777 new jobs within approximately six years.
"As the leading private employer in the New River Valley, Volvo Trucks has been a bedrock of this community for more than 40 years and has fueled the regional economy," said Governor Northam. "The company's decision to grow its footprint in the Commonwealth not only recognizes the strength of our manufacturing sector, but also reflects the skill of our workers, the quality of life in rural Virginia and the competitiveness of our business climate. This announcement represents one of the largest capital investments in the history of southwestern Virginia, and I am confident that this expansion will both prepare the NRV plant for continued success and solidify Volvo's presence in Pulaski County for decades to come."
Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks and a global network of 2,100 dealers and workshops in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across the globe. In 2018, more than 127,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, a manufacturer of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Trucks facility in Pulaski County is its largest in the world, with 1.6 million sq. ft. on nearly 300 acres and 3,500 employees.
"Volvo's historic investment in an additional facility and upgraded, state-of-the-art equipment at its Pulaski County operation signifies the plant's future growth, and we are honored to further strengthen Virginia's corporate partnership with Volvo Trucks North America," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. "With its access to markets, robust workforce and pro-business climate, the New River Valley is a hub for manufacturers from around the world. This investment will position Volvo's NRV plant for long-term growth and is a testament to the Commonwealth's competitive advantage."
"This investment will give our employees the tools they need to continue providing our customers the highest quality products," said Franky Marchand, Vice President and General Manager of the NRV plant. "We are very grateful to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Pulaski County and the citizens in this community for their continued support of our business and our people. Creating more value-added processes through these investments is good for our employees, our plant and our region."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the General Assembly's Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission and Onward New River Valley to secure the expansion for Virginia. The Volvo Group will be eligible to receive post-performance MEI custom grant payments totaling up to $16.5 million over 10 years, based upon achieving its pledged net new job creation and investment commitments. New job creation will be on top of the baseline employment level of 3,219 in place when project negotiations began in 2018. The company is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
"The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority are most excited to partner with the state to comprehensively support Volvo Trucks and the exceptional men and women who work there with this monumental expansion project, and we are ever confident that their investment and job growth will go a long way to ensuring this company continues to operate and prosper here in our community," said Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Andy McCready.
"Volvo Trucks represents the largest private employer in the New River Valley, and I am proud that the Commission could support the company's continued growth in Virginia," said Senator Frank Ruff, Chairman of the MEI Project Approval Commission. "This monumental project will enable the company to add nearly 800 new jobs to its existing workforce, creating opportunities for citizens of Pulaski County and the region and further strengthening the Commonwealth's position as a leader in automotive manufacturing. We thank Volvo for its commitment to Virginia and for being a key source of job creation and investment in our economy."
For more information contact:
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
901 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-545-5600
VEDP.org