Area Development
SteelFab, one of the nation’s largest structural steel fabricators, will invest $2.14 million to expand its manufacturing operation in the City of Emporia, Virginia. The company plans to construct a new building and add machinery and equipment to increase its steel fabrication output.

“SteelFab is excited to be growing our operations in Emporia,” said Rob Burlington, President, SteelFab. “We have grown our footprint regionally and our Virginia location is central to many important markets, and is convenient to the steel support industry in Central Virginia. SteelFab continues to provide many employment opportunities with outstanding benefits and bonuses. We thank the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for its support of our business, and of our industry.”

As an incentive, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Emporia to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $60,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“SteelFab has been a valuable corporate partner to Virginia and the City of Emporia since it opened its structural fabricating facility in 1990,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “The company’s decision to expand in the Commonwealth is a testament to the world-class workforce the region has to offer. Growing the advanced manufacturing industry is critical to diversifying and building the new Virginia economy, and we thank SteelFab for being a significant part of our efforts.”

“Expansion projects, like SteelFab’s, account for 70 percent of the new jobs created by projects announced during the McAuliffe administration, which is why so much focus is placed on working with existing businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “SteelFab, a key member of Virginia’s diversified manufacturing sector, has six other manufacturing operations in the U.S., and could have invested elsewhere. We are grateful for this Virginia investment and are proud this company has chosen Emporia as the site of its next expansion.”

“I am pleased to see SteelFab, a business that has prospered in the City of Emporia for over 25 years, growing its operation,” said Senator Louise Lucas. “With easy access to Interstate 95, Emporia is the southern gateway to Virginia, and an ideal location for the manufacturing industry. I congratulate SteelFab on its success and thank the company for its investment and 18 new jobs.”

“SteelFab has been a valuable business partner to our community for 27 years,” said Delegate Roslyn Tyler. “I am pleased with the funding approved by Governor McAuliffe and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for support services and employee training. The new construction and expansion of SteelFab's machinery operation will create new job opportunities in Emporia and boost the economy in Southside Virginia.”