Governor McAuliffe Announces 100
New Jobs in Montgomery County
~ Hubbell Lighting to invest more than $6 million to expand manufacturing operation ~
RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Hubbell Lighting, a world leader in lighting innovation, will invest $6.015 million to expand and consolidate its manufacturing and assembly operations at its facility in the Town of Christiansburg in Montgomery County. The project will create 100 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Winning this significant consolidation and expansion is testament to the value of Virginia’s central East Coast location, enabling Hubbell Lighting to expand its customer base, as well as providing crucial interstate access and proximity to one of the largest, most cost-effective ports on the East Coast. The addition of 100 jobs of the 21st century, with lean manufacturing training to modernize and streamline operating performance at the Montgomery County site, will help us build the new Virginia economy. This manufacturing operation has thrived in the New River Valley since 1971, and we look forward to many more years of a strong corporate partnership.”
“Today we celebration Hubbell Lighting’s great investment and 100 new jobs in Montgomery County,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company’s Christiansburg operation has steadily increased its production and assembly of high-value LED products that continue to grow in demand, and this capability provides further strategic significance to the location for future growth. The long-term success of Virginia’s existing businesses is evidence of what can be accomplished in the Commonwealth.”
Hubbell Lighting, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is one of the largest lighting fixture manufacturers in North America. The company provides a full range of indoor and outdoor lighting products serving the commercial, industrial, and residential markets. Hubbell Lighting brands include Alera Lighting, Architectural Area Lighting, Beacon Products, Columbia Lighting, Compass Products, Devine Lighting, Dual-Lite, HomeStyle Lighting, Hubbell Building Automation, Hubbell Industrial Lighting, Hubbell Outdoor Lighting, Kim Lighting, Kurt Versen, Litecontrol, Prescolite, Progress Lighting, Security Lighting, Spaulding Lighting, Sportsliter Solutions, Sterner Lighting and Whiteway.
“Hubbell Lighting has been manufacturing in Montgomery County for many years, due in large part to the very capable, hardworking and team-oriented people that the State has to draw upon for our workforce,” said Kevin Poyck, Vice President and General Manager for Hubbell Lighting’s Commercial and Industrial Lighting division. “The State and local governments work hard to attract and retain business by creating an environment conducive to business growth and expansion. With this great workforce and solid business environment, Hubbell looks forward to many more years of manufacturing excellence at its Christiansburg location.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Montgomery County, the Town of Christiansburg, and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Montgomery County with the project. The company will receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, and will also be eligible for Sales and Use Tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“It is with great pride that I, along with the Christiansburg Town Council and Administration, welcome this additional phase of Hubbell Lighting to Christiansburg,” said Christiansburg Mayor D. Michael Barber. “I appreciate the work of the NRV Economic Development Alliance, Montgomery County Administration and Board of Supervisors, Governor McAuliffe and state agencies for their efforts in this venue. Since 1963, Hubbell Lighting has been a valued corporate citizen for Christiansburg and Montgomery County and we are extremely pleased Hubbell has selected us to be the site of their consolidation process. We welcome the new employees of Hubbell and their families to our community and look forward to the company’s continued success.”
“We congratulate Hubbell Lighting on its decision to expand in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Brown. “We feel fortunate that with its increasing global presence, Hubbell Lighting continues to add positions and expand operations where it has been located for over 52 years. This is great news for our local economy.”
“This is a long-term commitment –a reinvestment—in Virginia by a long-time user of The Port of Virginia,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We are pleased to see Hubbell Lighting’s faith in Virginia as a location to expand and create jobs in the process; we look forward to continuing our relationship with Hubbell.”
“This is a long-term commitment –a reinvestment—in Virginia by a long-time user of The Port of Virginia,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We are pleased to see Hubbell Lighting’s faith in Virginia as a location to expand and create jobs in the process; we look forward to continuing our relationship with Hubbell.”
“Hubbell Lighting's decision to invest in the New River Valley is great news," said Delegate Greg Habeeb. "Their commitment will create jobs for our middle class families and strengthen our manufacturing base. The New River Valley is a beautiful place with a positive business climate, talented workforce, strong public schools and one of the world's leading research universities. For all of these reasons and more, Hubbell Lighting made the right decision to expand its presence in the region. I'm grateful for their investment and look forward to working with them in the future."
Office of the Governor
Contact: Brian Coy
Email: brian.coy@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Phone: (804) 545-5806
Email: Sclark@yesvirginia.org
Hubbell Lighting
Contact: Phillip Griffitts
Phone: (540) 381-2591
E-mail: pgriffitts@hubbell-ltg.com
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About Us
Montgomery County, Virginia - home of Virginia Tech and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg - is a progressive, technology-driven community with an abundance of outdoor amenities. The Montgomery County Economic Development Department actively supports the startup, retention and expansion of companies in Montgomery County as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the community. To learn more, visit www.YesMontgomeryVA.org.