Virginia Tech’s proximity and alumni loyalty helped lure Maxx Performance to Roanoke. And the small, New York-based research and development and manufacturing company said it will eventually employ 12 to 15 people over three years and invest up to $700,000 in its first year of operations.

“We’re Hokies,” said Winston Samuels, president and chief executive officer, who has a doctoral degree in animal sciences from Tech, where he also met his wife.

However, ready access to Interstates 81, 64, 77 and 44 played the largest role, Samuels said.

“We picked Roanoke because of logistics,” he said. “And we love the area.”

Maxx Performance produces specialized coatings using a thin layer of vegetable matter to help stabilize or enhance food ingredients, vitamins and other goods -- with results that range from preventing premature leavening in baking to boosting milk production in cows.

The company is leasing the former Valley Rich Dairy building on Aerial Way Drive. Samuels said the company has been renovating the building since July and that production could begin as early as Nov. 8.

The company will hire manufacturing workers, a facilities manager and others to staff the Roanoke operation. Samuels said starting wages will vary based on experience.

Potential applicants can get more information by emailing inquire@maxxperform.com