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By Ed Smith
Modine Manufacturing is investing $18.1 million in its Rockbridge County plant that is to lead to the creation of 211 new jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday.
“Virginia continues to be the epicenter for the data center industry, which makes it the perfect location for Modine to expand manufacturing capacity,” said Youngkin in a press release. “Modine’s increased production of data center cooling equipment will meet the growing demand of this vital sector in the commonwealth while creating high-quality 21st century jobs.”
Modine, a Racine, Wisc.-based international company that produces thermal management and air quality control systems, has had a plant in Buena Vista since 1963. The company has been operating a plant in
, page 4 Rockbridge County at 360 Collierstown Road the past two years.
“The growth of Modine in Rockbridge County stands as a testament to the enduring collaboration between industry and community,” said Leslie Ayers, chair of the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors. “With the creation of more than 200 new jobs and a significant investment in its facility, this company is not only enhancing our local economy but also reaffirming its dedication to the prosperity of our community. We commend Modine for acknowledging the potential within our county and actively contributing to its development and vibrancy.”
Brandy Flint, the county’s director of economic development, said the new jobs being created and investment made are on top of what was announced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Modine’s county facility in 2022. “We’re really excited that Modine is continuing to be successful in Rockbridge County,” she commented.
Flint said the county is to provide an incentive package – part of a five-year performance agreement – to match a $470,000 state grant approved by Youngkin that Modine is receiving from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership has been working with the county and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to secure the project.
According to the governor’s press release, support for creating the new jobs will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. It’s described as a “workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the governor’s administration and the General Assembly.”
Launched in 2019, “the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.”
State lawmakers who represent the Rockbridge area in the General Assembly were jubilant over the news of Modine’s expansion.
“Manufacturing plays a crucial role in providing job opportunities, fostering economic growth and strengthening local economies,” said state Sen. Christopher Head. “This investment by Modine in expanding its Rockbridge County operation not only creates 211 new jobs but also brings advanced technological solutions to the area, contributing to skill development, innovation and sustainable practices within the community.”
Del. Terry Austin said Modine’s “substantial investment illustrates the strength of its operations, the quality of its employees and the businessfriendly environment in Rockbridge. Thank you to everyone involved in the efforts to support this expansion. These high-quality jobs will be of great benefit to our region.”
