Governor Ralph Northam announced that NIBCO INC., a manufacturer of wrot copper fittings for the flow control industry, will invest $14 million to expand its operation in Augusta County. The company is investing in its infrastructure, adding new equipment and updating technology, training programs, and new product development. The project will create 30 new jobs, and 117 existing employees will be retrained on the new technology.
“It is a priority for us to retain and facilitate the growth of Virginia’s existing businesses, like NIBCO, that are creating 21st-century jobs and providing critical skills retraining,” said Governor Northam. “Augusta County and Virginia have a strong track record when it comes to providing a talented manufacturing workforce, and the region’s close proximity to major interstates and the Port of Virginia are assets that have undoubtedly contributed to NIBCO’s long-term success in the Commonwealth.”
NIBCO is a recognized leading provider of valves, fittings, and flow control products for commercial, industrial, and institutional construction, as well as residential and irrigation markets. Founded in Northern Indiana, NIBCO has a manufacturing history that spans 115 years and has operated under five generations of family leadership and employee ownership. NIBCO expanded its copper fitting manufacturing to Stuarts Draft, Virginia, in 1969 after the purchase of HK Porter Company. Serving a global marketplace, NIBCO operates 11 manufacturing plants throughout the United States, Mexico, and Poland. NIBCO products are manufactured under a Quality Management System conforming to the current revision of ISO-9001 International Standards.
“NIBCO’s history in Augusta County spans nearly 60 years, and it is a powerful testament to the Shenandoah Valley’s business climate for this leading manufacturer to continue to reinvest in the region,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Home to over 250 advanced materials companies that employ more than 22,000 Virginians, the Commonwealth is a prime location for global manufacturers with its pipeline of skilled talent, competitive operating costs, and access to the interstate highway system.”
“Our metal fittings business is growing rapidly and our capital investment in infrastructure and people will enable us to increase capacity in Virginia for existing products and expand new product offerings,” said NIBCO President and CEO Steven Malm. “Over the past five years, NIBCO has been dedicated to smart, efficient expansion of our U.S. facilities. When other companies were going offshore in the 1990’s and 2000’s, NIBCO stayed, and has invested heavily to modernize our American manufacturing plants and develop our domestic workforce.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will support NIBCO and its new job creation and retraining efforts through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP). VJIP provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change to support employee training activities. As a business incentive supporting economic development, VJIP reduces the human resource costs of new and expanding companies. VJIP is state-funded, demonstrating Virginia’s commitment to enhancing job opportunities for its citizens. Augusta County will match the VJIP funding awarded to the company to support the expansion project.
“Our employers are of the utmost importance to Augusta County, and NIBCO is no exception,” said Chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors Gerald Garber. “When a company adds 30 new jobs and invests in retraining for 117 existing employees, we see the dedication of a company to itself and to its community.”
“NIBCO, a long-time employer in the Stuarts Draft area, is a touchstone to our economy,” added Riverheads District Supervisor and member of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors Mike Shull. “Augusta County strives to create a positive, business-friendly environment where companies such as NIBCO can continually expand and grow within the county.”
“NIBCO has been a solid community contributor and continues to strengthen its business ties by offering skilled jobs in our area,” said Senator Emmett Hanger. “I am pleased the VJIP funds are being utilized here locally and Augusta County is matching the commitment with the same funds and enthusiasm the state has to help NIBCO grow and succeed. Our mutual support exhibits our strong economic development commitments to this area.”
“I am thrilled to hear that NIBCO has decided to invest $14 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Augusta County,” said Delegate Ben Cline. “NIBCO’s decision, which will create 30 new jobs in Augusta County, is a testament to the availability of a skilled workforce in the Shenandoah Valley, which allows for industries to grow and prosper. I thank NIBCO for its continued commitment to our part of Virginia.”