Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Emser Tile, the leading designer, marketer and producer of the world’s finest tile and natural stone, will invest $16.25 million to establish an East Coast distribution operation in CenterPoint Intermodal Center in the City of Suffolk. Virginia successfully competed against South Carolina for the project, which will create 98 new jobs.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “It is another tremendous testament to Virginia’s competitive advantages when a company like Emser Tile chooses the Commonwealth as its gateway to the East Coast market and the rest of the globe. This new distribution location in the City of Suffolk will allow strategic access to customers and unrivaled logistics efficiency through the Port of Virginia. The Commonwealth’s distribution base remains strong and continues to grow, and we are proud to add Emser Tile to the roster as we diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“Emser Tile’s establishment of a distribution operation in the City of Suffolk is a wonderful testament to the superior assets Hampton Roads offers U.S.-based and international companies,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “This leading distributor will benefit from Virginia’s outstanding talent, strategic location, infrastructure, attractive corporate climate and quality of life. We look forward to seeing the company’s growth in Virginia.”
Established in 1968 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Emser Tile offers unparalleled service and a dynamic selection of products. Emser is one of the most comprehensive sources for interior and exterior products that include porcelain, ceramic, natural stone metal, glass, quarry, decorative accents and mosaics, cut-to-size stone, setting materials, and custom-manufactured products made to customer specifications. Emser products are designed for both residential and commercial projects, and the company combines national presence with local service to respond to changing trends and technology.
“Emser Tile is thrilled to be working with the City of Suffolk and Virginia,” said Emser Vice President of Marketing Bob Baldocchi. “This new facility represents a significant milestone in our long-term expansion and growth plans.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Suffolk and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Suffolk with the project. The company will receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, and funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“We are thrilled that Emser Tile selected Suffolk’s Centerpoint Intermodal Center as the location for their new East Coast distribution center,” said Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson. “Emser Tile’s investment means more new jobs, and it illustrates that the Port of Virginia and Suffolk are proven assets along the Atlantic for companies to diversify their logistics operations. We are determined to assist companies interested in growing in Suffolk and look forward to Emser Tile’s continued success.”
“We are honored to work with Emser Tile, and serve as their global gateway,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "This is a great example of how, working together, The Port of Virginia, the City of Suffolk and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership find and facilitate opportunities to serve businesses, create jobs, and attract investment for our region and our state.”
“The decision by Emser Tile to locate in the Suffolk CenterPoint Intermodal Center and invest in our Commonwealth is exciting news for Suffolk and our surrounding cities,” said Delegate S. Chris Jones. “Their decision will provide new jobs locally as well as continue to support the General Assembly's commitment to strengthening economic development.”
As of February 5, 2016, 599 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, with more than $9.82 billion in capital investment, which is more than any previous governor in the first 24 months in office.