Area Development
Applied Felts, a maker of felt liners for cured-in-place pipes (CIPP) is expanding its operations in Henry County, Virginia, with a $6 million investment and 40 new jobs.

"With the rapid deterioration of our country's underground storm drain and sewer system infrastructure, the demand for rehabilitation processes that are cost-effective and cause minimal disruption to our citizens bodes well for the continued growth of our company," said Charlie Mattox, general manager for Applied Felts. "As the leading supplier of CIPP products in the U.S., this expansion will insure our competitive edge is maintained within our industry."

The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $175,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. 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.

Applied Felts is a subsidiary of the United Kingdom's W. E. Rawson Group.