Friday, June 30, 2006
2nd expansion at Bland Co. plant adds 30 jobs
The latest from The Ticker blog
ABB Inc., which makes transformers for manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, the military and utilities, will invest $3 million in expanding its Bland County plant and add 30 jobs.
The rural Virginia county competed with China, South Korea and Spain as the site for the international company's expansion. Gov. Tim Kaine approved a $75,000 grant for the project from the Governor's Opportunity Fund, and the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission added $75,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds.
Bland County Economic Development Authority Chairman David Dillow credited state support, a good work force, low business costs and logistics for helping to land the expansion.
"The success of this project is a fantastic example of local teamwork," Tommy Nunn, ABB marketing manager, said in a press release. "The local and state incentives received from this project will allow us to expand our operation and better serve our customers."
This is the plant's second big expansion. The first was announced in the fall of 2003, bringing 75 jobs and another $3 million investment. ABB is the county's biggest employer. The new expansion will bring the number of employees to more than 400.
Growing demand for large wind turbines triggered the rise in demand for dry-type transformers. They can be placed inside the nacelle close to the generator instead of on the ground, eliminating the need for additional cables.
-- Paul Dellinger
