The day after two Southern Virginia groups visited the Capitol to express their concerns over lifting the ban on uranium mining in Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell has asked the General Assembly to kee the moratorium in place for the 2012 session. We applaud the Governor for taking the cautious route. 

We desperately need jobs in our region but must weigh the potential risks before making such an important decision; given that the NAS report was just released in December, there is absolutely no way that lawmakers could have studied it and other reports fully. One only needs ask the citizens of New Orleans and Fukushima about the failure of designs in the face of catastrophic natural disasters.  Read the full press release on ReadTheReports.org.

Company to invest $4.6 million; project supports retention of 140 jobs and creates 15 new jobs

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that ABB Inc., a provider of power and automation products, systems, solutions and services, will expand its operation in Halifax County. The facility manufactures liquid-cooled transformers for large utility, industrial and government users. The company plans to invest $4.6 million in two phases over the next three years for the expansion and retooling of a new and more efficient process for manufacturing its Distribution Transformers (DTR).  The first phase of the investment totaling $3.0 million will begin immediately.  The retention and expansion of DTR products will create 15 new jobs and preserves 140 jobs.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "ABB Inc. is an important employer in Halifax County and in Virginia. The company employs more than 400 in Halifax, and approximately 1,000 people in its other locations in Chesterfield and Bland Counties. ABB's retention and expansion of its Distribution Transformers manufacturing division is significant for the region. The employees at the plant are valuable assets, and this project will positively impact these positions, as well as add new jobs that pay above the region's average prevailing wage. I thank the company for continuing to grow in Halifax County, and anticipate its new technology will increase profitability, competitiveness, and market share."

Company to invest $6 million and create 22 new jobs over the next three years

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Presto Products Company, a manufacturer of plastic film and bags will invest $6 million to expand its operation in Halifax County. The company will add five new manufacturing lines, creating 22 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Presto’s investment and expansion of five manufacturing lines will allow for increased capacity, serving more customers from its facility in Halifax County. This project will not only increase the company’s competitiveness in its market, but also will help secure the future of the plant and 375 employees. I commend the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center for its commitment to workforce training to meet the needs of Halifax County’s corporate citizens, and Dominion Virginia Power, which helped ensure that the quality of the plant’s electrical service could accommodate the expanded production capacity.”