Fourth economic development coup for Roanoke area county in 2018

Governor Ralph Northam Dec. 20 announced that McAirlaid’s, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Germany-based McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH, will invest $7.8 million to increase production at its manufacturing facility in Franklin County. Virginia successfully competed with Germany for this project, which will create 25 new jobs.

“Since the construction of its first and only U.S. manufacturing facility more than a decade ago, McAirlaid’s has flourished in Franklin County, and we are thrilled that this global manufacturer has chosen to reinvest in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “With over 10,000 people entering the Roanoke Region’s workforce each year from higher education institutions such as Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, and Virginia Western Community College, McAirlaid’s will continue to benefit from the steady pipeline of manufacturing talent available in Franklin County.”

Founded in 1997, McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH is a global producer and distributor of the world’s first nonwoven airlaid, SuperCore, which is produced without any glue, binders, recycled materials or latex. The company’s absorbent airlaid is used in a variety of food packaging, retail, medical, personal hygiene, and filtration applications. McAirlaid’s, Inc., the company’s first and only U.S. manufacturing operation, currently employs 128 workers at the Rocky Mount facility in Franklin County.

“McAirlaid’s, Inc.’s decision to expand its facility in Franklin County is a strong vote of confidence in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Industry-leading manufacturers from around the world are drawn to the Roanoke Region for its low operating costs and strategic access to national and international markets. We thank McAirlaid’s for its investment and commitment to Franklin County and Virginia.”

“Since establishing our U.S. plant in 2006, we have expanded our absorbent solutions and manufacturing capabilities,” shared President of McAirlaid’s, Inc. Paul Maksimow. “Thanks to continued state and county support, we are able to expand our capacity and capabilities in Virginia for the protein and fruit packaging markets. Our newest expansion further strengthens our commitment to being a Made in the USA manufacturer while supporting local jobs in Rocky Mount.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Franklin County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Franklin County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved a $60,000 Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund grant as well as a $60,000 loan for the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. McAirlaid’s is also eligible to receive Sales and Use tax exemptions on equipment associated with the project.

“Franklin County is proud to finish 2018 with its fourth major business announcement of the year,” said Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chairman Cline Brubaker. “Since locating its North American headquarters in our community, McAirlaid’s has played a central role in the health of our economic base, providing high-quality jobs to Franklin County citizens. This expansion once again proves the area’s ability to foster long-term growth for outstanding industries that decide to locate here. The county is grateful to McAirlaid’s for its continued commitment to growing in our community.”

“Helping existing businesses, like McAirlaid’s, expand is an important part of developing a diverse and vibrant economy in Southside Virginia,” Tobacco Commission member Senator Bill Stanley. “ I am pleased that the Tobacco Commission chose to support this project and wish McAirlaid’s the best as it adds to its workforce here in Franklin County.”

“I am delighted and pleased to see McAirlaid’s expand its business in Franklin County and look forward to the resulting increase in new well-paying jobs,” said Delegate Charles Poindexter. “This confirms the decision made by the Commonwealth, the Tobacco Commission, and Franklin County when we are all committed to helping the company select and locate its first American presence. McAirlaid’s produces an outstanding and unique product, has been an excellent employer, and has supported our county and community in a most responsible fashion.”

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