Area Development
Berryville Graphics, an affiliate of German-based Bertelsmann AG, Europe's largest media company, will invest $10.6 million to consolidate its book printing operations at its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia, creating 84 jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell said, "Berryville Graphics is one of the largest, fully automated book manufacturers in the U. S. and is a part of Europe's largest media company. During my 10-day marketing mission to Europe, I had the opportunity to meet with Bertelsmann's CEO personally to close this important deal for Virginia. Berryville Graphics has thrived in Clarke County since 1956, and with this significant investment will keep its operations in the Commonwealth and create 84 new jobs."

"Building new relationships and strengthening existing partnerships with European companies is the focus of the Governor's marketing mission, and this project is a tremendous result," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Berryville Graphics and Bertelsmann AG are important corporate partners to Virginia, and we further solidified this bond. The Town of Berryville in Clarke County has been the ideal business environment in which the company has thrived, and I congratulate all involved on this great investment and new jobs.

BVG produces nearly 120 million books each year at its manufacturing facility at 25 Jack Enders Boulevard in Berryville, west of Leesburg, Virginia. "The book industry has faced many challenges over recent years, forcing us to review existing capacity and ultimately, reduce the number of physical locations," said Dave Liess, President & Chief Executive Officer of Berryville Graphics and Coral Graphic Services. "While this was not an easy decision, the excitement and partnership shown by both the State of Virginia and Clarke County has reinforced our belief that Berryville is the right place to invest. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this expansion possible and we look forward to many more successful years in Virginia."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Town of Berryville and Clarke County to secure the project for Virginia. In a package of incentives, Governor McDonnell approved a $200,000 performance-based grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist the Town of Berryville and Clarke County. In addition, through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.

"Berryville Graphics has significantly enriched the community for many years, not only in terms of job creation and retention, but also by their regular payment of property taxes and consistent generosity to community groups," said Michael Hobert, Chairman of Clarke County Board of Supervisors. "We want this valued partnership to endure. Our aim is to encourage Berryville Graphics' continued growth in Berryville and Clarke County. We also believe this collaboration will bring about increased productivity, helping to keep Berryville Graphics competitive, and leading to the hiring of even more workers who will contribute to the economic life of the community."