Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co., one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment and an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative products and services in other fields, will invest $45.4 million to expand its operation in the City of Newport News and the City of Hampton. The project will create 174 new jobs over a 48-month period. Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. is an operating division of Liebherr-Mining Equipment SAS, a member company of the Liebherr Group. The location now serves as the North American headquarters for four operating companies.
Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. was established in Newport News and Hampton in 1970, and in four decades has grown to become the North American headquarters for four operating companies of the globally leading manufacturer. With this project, the company is making a significant investment in building improvements, machinery and tools and infrastructure to enhance production of the largest mining trucks in the world. As a major employer in Hampton Roads, it is gratifying that the company will add 174 additional good paying jobs in the years ahead. That's great news for Hampton Roads and all of Virginia."
"This exciting project, international in scope, has provided the opportunity for the Commonwealth and Cities of Newport News and Hampton to work together with Liebherr as a team, utilizing numerous programs to facilitate their major expansion and investment," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "From its operation in Newport News, construction and mining equipment is shipped worldwide. Close proximity to the Port of Virginia offers the potential for Liebherr to further capitalize on import and export opportunities. The Commonwealth values its relationship with Liebherr Mining Equipment and the entire Liebherr Company and looks forward to the next 40 years."
The Liebherr family business was established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr. The great success of his first mobile, easy-to-assemble and affordable tower crane was the foundation on which the company flourished. Today Liebherr is not only one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction machinery but is also an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative user-oriented products and services in numerous other fields. The company has now grown into a Group with more than 35,000 employees in more than 130 companies across all continents.
"For the past 40 years Liebherr has established a strong infrastructure in Newport News and Hampton. The area has a wealth of experienced workers and is in close proximity to our supplier and main customer base," said Joachim Janka, President of Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. "As a family-owned business, Liebherr benefits from the ability to make countercyclical investments. We invest during unfavorable economic conditions to achieve superior returns in the long run. We believe in the resilience of the American economy and will be prepared to excel when market conditions improve."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Newport News, the City of Hampton and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Newport News with the project. Governor McDonnell also approved an $800,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. 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.
"Liebherr's decision to expand its facility in Newport News speaks to the City's business-friendly environment," said McKinley L. Price, DDS, Mayor, City of Newport News. "Heavy manufacturing continues to bolster our economy and Liebherr's investment in capital assets, recruitment, training and new jobs will serve to strengthen the dynamics of our ever-changing workforce."
"We are pleased that the Liebherr family continues to make significant investments to enhance its company's presence in our community," said Florence Kingston, Director of Development for the City of Newport News.
Hampton Mayor Molly Ward said, "This expansion will be a boost for the region, especially in new jobs. We appreciate Liebherr's commitment to the cities of Newport News and Hampton, and we look forward to the company's continued growth."