New IKEA Swedwood plant puts hundreds to work in Danville

By Aimee Norton

Published: May 21, 2008

With a traditional Swedish log cutting, Governor Kaine helped officially open the Swedwood manufacturing plant.  More than 200 employees are making furniture pieces that are boxed and sold by IKEA stores.

Tracy Preston was hired by Swedwood in January.  She feels lucky to be with the company.

“Being able to provide for your families and stuff, that means a whole lot, knowing the economy is real bad here in Danville so you know having that opportunity just to have a job here, has been a blessing,” says Preston.

Joseph Roth works at IKEA’s North American Headquarters. He says hiring people who have worked in manufacturing was a big draw for the company.

“Having a knowledgeable workforce and a workforce that is eager to actually work and has an interest in home furnishings and manufacturing, it’s a great attraction for us here,” Roth said.

“Manufacturing isn’t dead.  Manufacturing is different these days.  It’s very high tech.  There’s still manufacturing opportunities,” said Governor Kaine after the opening.

And there will soon be more.  In February a company called Com 40 announced 800 more jobs coming to Danville.  Governor Kaine says Swedwood is just the beginning and that’s welcome news.

“I’m hoping that other companies will come in, you know, so we can have more jobs here because it means a lot when you can provide for your family,” Preston said.

Swedwood hopes to add another 100 employees in the next year.