Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Alexander Industries, a privately held American manufacturer of firearms, will invest $2.88 million to relocate and expand its operations in Dublin Industrial Park in Pulaski County. Virginia successfully competed against South Dakota and Texas for the project, which will create 64 new jobs.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “It is a win to retain a Virginia-founded company as it thrives and expands. Alexander Industries was established in the Commonwealth in 2001, and continued growth requires the need for a larger facility and increased manufacturing capacity to meet demand. With this project the company triples its current workforce and will move operations to a 25,000-square-foot facility in Dublin Industrial Park that meets its needs. I am confident that Alexander Industries will continue its path of success in Pulaski County.”
“Alexander Industries has made a reputation of quality for itself over the last 12 years, and will continue to be a strong corporate citizen in the New River Valley,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Pulaski County and the Town of Dublin offer solutions for the company’s current and future growth needs, and we look forward to the continued partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Alexander Industries.”
Alexander Industries (www.alexanderarms.com), established in 2001, is headquartered in Virginia and is best known for development of the .50 Beowulf and 6.5 Grendel cartridges and more recently the development of an all new rifle for the .338 Lapua cartridge, all designed by founder, Bill Alexander. Alexander produces rifles, ammunition, and accessories for its products.
"2013 has been an exciting year for Alexander Arms,” said James Reddish, President of Alexander Industries. “The continued success of our products, combined with development of the new .338 Lapua rifle, has put the company in a strong position for future growth. We are pleased to be able to pursue that growth in our home state of Virginia, and thank all the state and local officials who worked so hard to help us find a new home in Pulaski County."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County, the Town of Dublin, and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
“We are pleased to welcome Alexander Industries to Pulaski County,” said Joe Sheffey, Chairman of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “Alexander Industries is known as a high-quality company that will continue to diversify our local economy and provide additional jobs for the New River Valley. This American company helps further Pulaski County’s goal of creating a strong employment base made up of national and international companies. We appreciate the investment by Governor McDonnell, the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, the vision of the Town of Dublin, and the dedication of the County economic development staff."
We are very excited that Alexander Industries has chosen the Town of Dublin as their newest location,” said Mayor Benny P. Skeens. “I would like to thank Governor McDonnell and his staff for all of their assistance with this project. I would also like to thank the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, as well as the New River Economic Development Alliance, for all of their hard work also. I am also appreciative of all of the Assistance that Pulaski County has given on this project. I would like to welcome Alexander Industries to the Town of Dublin and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”