Franklin Braid, a manufacturer
of braided and knitted fabrics, plans to expand
its Emporia operations with a $1.5 million investment
expected to create 25 jobs. Virginia competed
with Pennsylvania for the project. (01/21/04,
Press release)
Guardian Industries Corp., an Auburn
Hills, Mich-based manufacturer, plans to expand
its glass production facilities in Galax. The
$2.5 million investment will be used to add
an additional product line and create 54 jobs.
Virginia competed with Florida and South Carolina
for the investment. (01/20/04, Press release)
Virginia Forge Co., a unit of MFC Group
in Meadville, Pa., is expanding its Buchanan
factory. The $2 million expansion is meant to
meet growing demand in the light truck and sport
utility vehicle market for the plant’s
forgings used in wheel structures. Approximately
8,000 square feet of space will be added to
the factory, as well as eight jobs. (01/17/04,
The Roanoke Times)
ITT Night Vision of Roanoke
County announced plans to add 50 workers as
a result of increased demand for night vision
goggles and related gear from customers in the
military, the Department of Homeland Security
and other clients in security services. The
Roanoke County facility employs 895 persons.
(01/15/04, The Roanoke Times)
America Online, a Dulles-based Internet
services provider, created AOL Networks Sales
and Solutions Division to capitalize on advertising
and commercial opportunities resulting from
the company’s development of broadband
services. (01/14/04, Business Wire)
Virginia Military Institute in Lexington
announced a $100 million long-term building
program, the largest in the school’s history.
The plan, which could take 20 years to complete,
envisions expansion of six buildings, construction
of four new ones and addition of various athletic
facilities. (01/13/04, The Roanoke Times)
