Area Development
A supplier of customized laminated panels and fabricated components, LaminateTechnologies, will invest more than $2 million to build a factory and supply center in Henry County, creating at least a minimum of 30 new jobs.

"After a careful evaluation of various sites in North Carolina and Virginia, and numerous visits to both regions, it became clear that Virginia was the clear choice," said Fred Zoeller, President and CEO of Laminate Technologies. The people in the Economic Development Department and the overall attitude from those whom we visited in state government were all great and very helpful. The choice was overwhelming that Martinsville and Henry County and the Commonwealth of Virginia would be the home for our fourth operation, he added.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Bob McDonnell approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $110,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the Company's recruitment and training activities.

Governor McDonnell said, "this project is a great example of established companies attracting potential suppliers and building on an industry. With its first Virginia operation Laminate Technologies will supply regional cabinet manufacturers, adding to the already impressive wood products cluster in the Martinsville and Henry County area. The region continues to rebound economically."

Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, said "Henry County was the right choice for the company, as it provides a strategic, convenient location and offers an available facility that meets the company's needs. I have every confidence that the region will be a great fit, and look forward to the company thriving in the Commonwealth."