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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Schaffner MTC Transformers Transforms Wytheville, Virginia, Plant Into Center Of Engineering-Manufacturing Excellence

10/07/2015
Schaffner MTC Transformers, a Switzerland-based developer and manufacturer of standard and custom components and high-performance transformers, will invest $3.1 million to expand its operation in the Town of Wytheville into a Center of Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence. The project is expected to create 79 jobs in Wythe County, Virginia.

“Since the acquisition of MTC Transformers’ dry-type operations in September of 2011, I have experienced the great commitment of our Wytheville staff,” said Schaffner Group CEO Alexander Hagemann. “We are making major investments in our people and the plant to turn this site into our U.S. center of excellence for engineering and manufacturing. This marks our determination to accelerate Schaffner’s growth in North America in line with our recently announced Strategy 2020. I am grateful for the support that we receive on the state, county and town levels to make this project possible. That support has played an important role in making Wytheville the location of choice for our Group’s U.S. center of excellence.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Wythe County, the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County and the Town of Wytheville to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $175,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Wythe County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $260,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds.

In addition, the company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be administered by VEDP and provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Governor Terry McAuliffe said, “Helping advanced manufacturing companies like Schaffner MTC Transformers expand and create jobs in communities that need them is a key component of my administration’s efforts to build a new Virginia economy. Schaffner MTC Transformers has been a pillar of the Wytheville region’s business community for 30 years, and this expansion should send a message to companies all over the world about the clear benefits of locating and growing in Southwest Virginia.”

“Helping the Commonwealth’s existing manufacturing businesses expand is a key strategy for growing and diversifying Virginia’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Schaffner MTC Transformers has experienced the benefits of our outstanding workforce, infrastructure and business climate, and today they are making a commitment to continued growth in Virginia. We congratulate the company and Wythe County on this exciting news.”

Senator Charles W. Carrico, member of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission said, "it’s great to see that they are growing the type of high-tech design and manufacturing jobs that are so important to our region's future. In addition to the $260,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, this announcement is highlighted by Schaffner's capital investment of over $3.1 million, which demonstrates their commitment to Wytheville and the region."

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