Area Development
Premier Tech, a global leader in the horticulture and agriculture sector, will invest $1.89 million to expand its peat moss and pine bark mixing and distribution facility in King and Queen County, Virginia.

Founded in 1923, Premier Tech is a global manufacturer of packaging equipment, water management systems, and growing media products. The investment will enable the company to increase its production capacity and introduce new products to the East Coast market. Virginia successfully competed with Minnesota for this project, which will create 20 new jobs.

“Premier Tech has always made it a priority to keep moving forward, by improving and by strengthening our ability to perform well so we can be successful in our markets and secure our future,” said Bernard Bélanger, Chairman of the Board & CEO of Premier Tech. “But above all, our priority is to better serve our clients and help them achieve success, too. This initiative is one more step in that direction, reaffirming Premier Tech’s long-term commitment to streamlining our manufacturing activities and strengthening our presence in the United States.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with King and Queen County, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $75,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist King and Queen County with the project. The Governor also approved a $75,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund administered by VDACS.

The company is eligible for Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment as well as recycling tax credits for the processing of recyclable materials. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP).

“As one of King and Queen County’s largest employers, Premier Tech is an invaluable corporate partner whose expansion will have far-reaching benefits, both for the region and for Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Global manufacturers such as Premier Tech are drawn to the Middle Peninsula for its strong manufacturing talent pool and competitive operating costs. We are grateful to Premier Tech for its commitment to rural Virginia, and we look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive in the Commonwealth.”

“With its rich natural resource heritage, the Middle Peninsula is the ideal location for a company such as Premier Tech that specializes in innovative horticultural and agricultural products,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This important win for the Commonwealth demonstrates the project’s significance to the local and regional economies, and we thank Premier Tech for its decision to expand and reinvest in King and Queen County.”