Truck Manufacturer Expanding In Virginia

Amthor International will invest $7.1 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Gretna, VA, creating 90 news jobs over five years.

Amthor International will invest $7.1 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Pittsylvania County, VA. The manufacturer will build a new 115,000-square-foot plant to accommodate increased demand for fabricated tanker trucks, and will designate its new Gretna facility as its official corporate headquarters. Amthor International also considered West Virginia for the expansion project, which will retain 110 existing jobs and create 70 new jobs over three years with a total of 90 new jobs over five years.

Gretna
Photo: Amthor International

“Amthor International opened its doors in Virginia over 25 years ago,” said Brian Amthor, Executive Vice President of Amthor International. “After considering other areas for the site of our manufacturing plant, we decided the Commonwealth of Virginia was the best foundation for our business because of its business-friendly policies and the opportunity for growth and development. As our business grows, we are committed to keeping our roots in Virginia and recognizing the success this community has brought for our company, our employees, and our family. We strive to extend our success to those around us. By doing so, we continue the circle of support for our town, our county, and the Commonwealth. Had we not built our corporation in such a welcoming and supportive community, we would not have seen the huge success and prosperity over the last 25 years. We are looking forward to another 25 years and more of continued success here in Virginia.”

Founded in 1928, Amthor International is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company that offers products including tanks and accessories for the refined fuel, propane, vacuum and septic, portable restroom, water, well drilling, and construction industries. Each tank is built in the U.S. and can be fully customizeds.

“Amthor International has been an important corporate steward in Pittsylvania County for 25 years, and we are proud that the nation’s largest and most diverse manufacturer of tanker trucks chose to reinvest in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “The company will continue to benefit from our world-class talent pool, extensive transportation network, and competitive operating costs while providing valuable new 21st century jobs. Growing the manufacturing industry remains critical to our mission to diversify and build the new Virginia economy, and expansions like Amthor’s demonstrate that our efforts are working.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pittsylvania County and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Gov. McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $255,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) also provided assistance. Amthor International is eligible to receive additional grants and state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“This project is of the utmost importance to Pittsylvania County,” said Bob Warren, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “Amthor has been a long-standing and loyal corporate citizen in Gretna, and nothing makes us happier than to help them grow and continue to thrive as an integral member of our community. This project presents us, alongside our state and local partners, with a compelling opportunity to make a savvy investment that will not only create at least 90 new jobs over five years in Gretna with good pay, but will also retain an additional 110 jobs. It also allows us to highlight this project as part of a success story for how our region’s visionary workforce investments are leading to industry investment and job creation and retention, which is just what they were intended to do. We thank Amthor for its commitment to Pittsylvania County, we congratulate them on this success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as it grows.”

“The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority is very excited to partner with the Economic Development Office of Pittsylvania County to provide gap financing for the expansion of Amthor International,” said Anna Mackley, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Chief Credit Officer and Acting Executive Director. “The county reached out to us as part of its competitive strategy to win this important project. VSBFA’s Economic Development Loan Fund Program provided a low interest rate and flexible terms and was a critical enhancement to the state’s overall incentive package.”

Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Virginia

Considering Virginia for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Virginia Incentives and Workforce Development Guide.