Howell Metal, an established manufacturer of copper tubing and line sets for residential and commercial construction markets, will invest $8 million to expand production at its operation in Shenandoah County, Virginia.

A subsidiary of parent company Mueller Industries, Inc. Howell Metal, is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee, and employs over 5,000 people worldwide. Virginia successfully competed with Utah, Mississippi, and Ontario, Canada, for the project, which will create 102 new jobs.

“Howell Metal has been proud to be an important enterprise and supporter of Shenandoah County for over five decades,” said Mueller Streamline Co. President Devin Malone. “Our manufacturing expansion, training initiatives, and other investments in New Market are the latest examples in our ongoing industriousness to work with the town, county, and state authorities to provide jobs, growth, and new opportunities to the region and its people. We are proud to be able to work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Shenandoah County, and the Port of Virginia in bringing these new manufacturing capabilities and jobs to the area.”

Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Shenandoah County and the Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Shenandoah County with the project. Howell Metal will be eligible to receive Sales and Use Tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment, as well as benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program.

“Howell Metal’s 50-year tenure is a tremendous success story for Shenandoah County, and with this expansion and the addition of more than 100 high-quality jobs, I am confident the company will continue to be a major asset to the local economy,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “The Shenandoah Valley offers unique market access and a strong manufacturing workforce, with 14 top-tier colleges and universities ensuring a reliable pipeline of skilled talent. We are honored that Howell Metal is reinvesting in the Commonwealth and look forward to its next phase of growth in the region.”

“Howell Metal has earned respect around the country for excellence in manufacturing, and the company’s expansion is a testament to the region’s ability to attract industry-leading businesses to locate and expand in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Manufacturers benefit from the region’s talent pool, connectivity to markets, infrastructure, and proximity to the Virginia Inland Port. As one of the area’s largest employers, we thank Howell for its major contribution to the local economy and for creating valuable, 21st-century jobs.”

“Virginia and Shenandoah County have the tools, talent, and infrastructure to facilitate trade for this growing manufacturing operation,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO & Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. “The Port of Virginia is excited to partner with Howell Metal to continue to provide unparalleled port access into the Shenandoah Valley. Howell Metal’s continued investment and job creation within the Commonwealth, paired with the Port’s investments, will ensure Virginia remains the best place to do business and will help both remain sustainable for years to come.”