Carmeuse Lime & Stone, a Belgium-based manufacturer of lime and limestone products for a variety of industries, will invest $45 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Frederick County, Virginia, initially creating 25 jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell said, "Carmeuse Lime & Stone has a strong presence in Virginia, as the Frederick County operation is one of five locations in the Commonwealth. All Carmeuse products are produced from high-quality natural deposits of limestone, and the Frederick County mine has ample infrastructure to accommodate the need for increased production. The lime business is expanding rapidly due to regulations that require coal fired utilities to perform additional scrubbing. Carmeuse's consistent growth in Virginia speaks volumes about our positive business climate and wealth of available natural resources."

"This significant investment from a company with five Virginia operations is tremendous news for Frederick County and the Commonwealth," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "The Frederick operations have thrived since 1959, and this project is testament to the strong workforce and operating infrastructure in the region."

Jim Bottom, the firm's Area Operations Manager, said "Carmeuse is thrilled to be expanding its operations in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Carmeuse already has a strong presence in Virginia. The Commonwealth and the Frederick County Economic Development team have been great to work with and have offered Carmeuse an attractive incentive package, which certainly influenced our decision to expand in Virginia versus other states."

"Carmeuse Lime & Stone plans to construct two 440 ton per day vertical lime kilns at its plant located in Frederick County, Virginia. These vertical kilns will be more fuel efficient than the horizontal kilns used at most lime operations in North America. This new capacity at Frederick County will service the growing demand for lime in the Eastern United States. Potential markets include steel, water treatment, construction and flue gas desulfurization. We are very pleased to add this new fuel efficient technology to our North American operations."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Frederick County and the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $250,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.

"Carmeuse Lime & Stone's investment is a testament to Frederick County's quality workforce, business environment, and infrastructure. Carmeuse Lime and Stone has an extensive presence in Virginia and we are pleased that Carmeuse has chosen Frederick County for its expansion," said Richard Shickle, Chairman of the Frederick County Supervisors.