Wholesaler of promotional apparel to bring 1000 jobs and invest $50 million in Va.

SanMar® Corporation, the largest wholesaler of promotional apparel and accessories in U.S., plans to invest at least $50 million in Hanover County to establish the company’s East Coast Commerce Center north of Richmond off Interstate 95, according to an announcement from Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

At 1.1 million square feet and up to 1,000 new jobs, the center is expected to become the flagship center for the company’s East Coast distributions and San-Mar’s largest operation, when the facility reaches full capacity, according to a news release.

“Securing SanMar Corporation’s flagship distribution center highlights Virginia’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and workforce as critical decision factors for logistics operations,” Youngkin was quoted as saying.

“Hanover County has become a regional hub for the U.S. supply chain, and we are proud that the East Coast Commerce Center’s attracted an industry leader like SanMar,” the governor added.

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that SanMar® Corporation, a leading supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, will invest at least $50 million to establish a distribution operation in the East Coast Commerce Center in Hanover County. The 1.1 million-square-foot speculative distribution building was developed by Equity Industrial Partners Corp. and Raith Capital Partners and will be SanMar’s largest operation, becoming the flagship center for the company’s East Coast distributions. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project which will create up to 1,000 new jobs when the facility reaches full capacity.

We look forward to partnering with SanMar as they continue to expand in the Commonwealth.”

“SanMar’s new operation will be a substantial addition to Virginia’s diverse logistics sector and bring valuable jobs and an economic boost to Hanover County,” said Caren Merrick, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Securing a project of this caliber says a great deal about the Commonwealth’s strategic location, competitive operating costs, and top-notch workforce,” she added.

Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar, noted, “Whenever we look at a facility, of course we’re looking at logistics and the labor market, but we’re also really looking at the community and the culture, and the people who will be working in the building. When we came here, we knew right away that this is a place we wanted to be. As we met and talked with people in the area, we knew this could be a great fit for us and for our future growth. We couldn’t be more excited to be here—to fill up this building, to build our team here, and to make this a home for a really long time.” 

At SanMar® Corporation, Lott said, the company does more than make and sell t-shirts. SanMar builds meaningful connections that elevate lives. As the largest supplier of wholesale imprintable clothing and accessories in the United States, the company’s products and the connections created impact organizations, individuals, and the world we live in. It all started more than 50 years ago with a business philosophy that has held true since day one: Be Nice and Tell the Truth. Family owned and operated, SanMar is based in Issaquah, Washington, with eight additional distribution centers nationwide and apparel from more than 30 celebrated brands.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Hanover County and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.