Gov. McDonnell announces 120 new jobs in Lynchburg

Press release from Governor Bob McDonnell....

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Porter’s Group, LLC, a leader in fabricated metal products, has acquired a manufacturing location and assets in the City of Lynchburg and will establish its first Virginia operation. The company will invest an additional $1.8 million to upgrade the facility to produce fabricated metal products such as safes and related products and parts, creating 120 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This tremendous project is a well-timed win for Porter’s Group, LLC and the City of Lynchburg. The company’s purchase of an existing manufacturing facility and its assets enables a quick turnaround to production, and the first Virginia operation will allow access to new markets in the Mid-Atlantic. The City of Lynchburg gains a new employer and owner for an available property, as well as 120 new good-paying jobs that utilize the existing workforce talent in the region.”

“With this project we welcome another corporate partner to the Commonwealth,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Porter’s Group’s new operation will not only expand the company’s footprint on the east coast, it will also provide 120 experienced workers in the City of Lynchburg with quality jobs.”

Porter’s Group, LLC is an industry leader in metal fabrications and safe manufacturing solutions since 1964. Headquartered in Bessemer City, North Carolina, Porter’s Group, LLC has five locations across the southeastern United States. Porter’s Group, LLC has a very diverse customer base and competes on an international basis for these products.

Charles Saleh, Porter’s Group, LLC CEO stated, “We are very excited for this opportunity to join the Lynchburg, Va. business community and create a long and prosperous relationship. We look forward to contributing to the economic growth in the Lynchburg area.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development to secure the project for Virginia. Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership also assisted. Governor McDonnell approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lynchburg with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“I am so pleased that Porter’s Group, LLC has chosen the City of Lynchburg to expand its corporate footprint into Virginia,” said Lynchburg Mayor Michael Gillette. “Porter’s Group has made a sound business decision with Lynchburg’s low-cost business environment and quality workforce. The City of Lynchburg is pleased to show our commitment to Porter’s Group, and we look forward to many prosperous years of partnership.”

“It is exciting to welcome the expansion of a new advanced manufacturer and assist in the creation of new jobs,” said Lynchburg Economic Development Chair, Mark Varah. “The LEDA remains committed to attracting, retaining and expanding a diverse set of businesses to support and grow the Lynchburg economy.”