GRETNA, Va. – Amthor International, the largest manufacturer of tanker trucks in North America, ceremonially broke ground Wednesday for a 115,000 square-foot facility in Gretna.
It will be the company's new headquarters.
Announcing the expansion Wednesday, Virginia Secretary of Trade and Commerce Todd Haymore said the facility is part of the company's $7.1 million investment in Pittsylvania County.
"With the expansion, they're going to double their production output, increase the possibility for more exports," Haymore said.
The company will create 70 new jobs over the next three years and a total of 90 over the next five.
Additionally, 110 current employees will keep their positions.
Amthor Executive Vice President Brian Amthor said West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina also competed for the company's headquarters.
"They tried their best, and at the end of the day, we knew where we needed to be. It was here in Pittsylvania County, in Gretna, where we started 25 years ago," Amthor emphasized.
The company is also working with Danville Community College to create a pipeline to the company for welders.
"This partnership is going to be a tremendous asset to my family and our company," Amthor said.
U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett, whose district includes Pittsylvania County, offered his congratulations to the company and the county via Skype from his office in Washington, D.C.
"This is a step in the right direction. We are a proud, capable, hardworking people and I hope to watch as Amthor continues to grow and serve this community," Garrett said.
The county was presented with two checks Wednesday from the Tobacco Commission and the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund to help Amthor expand.