Governor Ralph Northam has announced that Howell Metal, a manufacturer of copper tubing and line sets for residential and commercial construction markets, will invest $8 million to expand production at its operation in Shenandoah County. Virginia successfully competed with Utah, Mississippi and Ontario, Canada, for the project, which will create 102 new jobs.
"Howell Metal's 50-year tenure is a tremendous success story for Shenandoah County, and with this expansion and the addition of more than 100 high-quality jobs, I am confident the company will continue to be a major asset to the local economy," said Governor Northam. "The Shenandoah Valley offers unique market access and a strong manufacturing workforce, with 14 top-tier colleges and universities, ensuring a reliable pipeline of skilled talent. We are honored that Howell Metal is reinvesting in the Commonwealth and look forward to its next phase of growth in the region."
"Howell Metal has earned respect around the country for excellence in manufacturing, and the company's expansion is a testament to the region's ability to attract industry-leading businesses to locate and expand in the Shenandoah Valley," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. "Manufacturers benefit from the region's talent pool, connectivity to markets, infrastructure and proximity to the Virginia Inland Port. As one of the area's largest employers, we thank Howell for its major contribution to the local economy and for creating valuable, 21st-century jobs."
"Howell Metal has been proud to be an important enterprise and supporter of Shenandoah County for over five decades," said Mueller Streamline Co. President Devin Malone. "Our manufacturing expansion, training initiatives and other investments in New Market are the latest examples in our ongoing industriousness to work with the town, county and state authorities to provide jobs, growth and new opportunities to the region and its people. We are proud to be able to work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Shenandoah County, and the Port of Virginia in bringing these new manufacturing capabilities and jobs to the area."
"Howell Metal has served our community as one of the largest employers in Shenandoah County for over 50 years," said Jenna French, Director of Tourism and Business Development for Shenandoah County. "We are thrilled to support the company in its expansion, as it is not only a staple in the county but has also served as a strong partner in driving economic progress locally. We look forward to Howell Metal's continued success and to working with the company to coordinate training opportunities to fill and support the additional jobs created through this effort."
"Virginia and Shenandoah County have the tools, talent and infrastructure to facilitate trade for this growing manufacturing operation," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. "The Port of Virginia is excited to partner with Howell Metal to continue to provide unparalleled port access into the Shenandoah Valley. Howell Metal's continued investment and job creation within the Commonwealth, paired with the port's investments, will ensure Virginia remains the best place to do business and will help both remain sustainable for years to come."
"I am thrilled that Howell Metal has received a grant from the Commonwealth's Opportunity Fund to create 102 new jobs in Shenandoah County," said Senator Mark Obenshain. "This serves as a great example of the potential to foster economic growth by encouraging existing businesses to reinvest and expand their operations here in the Shenandoah Valley."
"Today's announcement is a credit to the hard work being done by the dedicated professionals of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership," said Delegate Todd Gilbert. "Growing and diversifying our economy is critical to the future of our Commonwealth, and I am proud of the work the General Assembly has done to support VEDP's vital mission of bringing more jobs and prosperity to Virginia."
For more information contact:
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
804-545-5600
www.VEDP.org
Howell Metal
574 New Market Depot Road
New Market, VA 22844
540-740-4700
www.howellmetal.com