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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Spectrum Brands, Inc Expands Operations In Blacksburg, Virginia

04/20/2017
Spectrum Brands, Inc., a global consumer products company, is investing $7.28 million over the next couple years to expand and upgrade its pet, home and garden division in Blacksburg, Virginia.

“Blacksburg has been central to the success of our aquatics brands for more than 20 years, and our manufacturing center there has grown into a major production facility for our entire division,” said John Schostek, Vice President, Global Operations, Spectrum Brands Pet, Home & Garden Division.

“Our company continues to grow, and we plan to invest in the Blacksburg plant to upgrade and expand its capabilities. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program supports our commitment to provide our employees with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful,” he added.

The firm plans to purchase equipment and upgrade its production processes in Montgomery County. As an incentive, Spectrum Brands will receive funding from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support the retraining of existing employees on the new machinery.

“Spectrum Brands has been a vital corporate partner to Montgomery County for 25 years, and it is exciting to see this international company reinvest in its operation and workforce here in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “The advanced manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly, and retraining employees to learn new skills and processes is critical to keeping jobs in Virginia. We thank Spectrum Brands for its commitment to the New River Valley and for helping us diversify and build the new Virginia economy.”

“Spectrum Brands’ decision to invest in its Montgomery County operation and to retrain more than half of its workforce on new equipment is a great testament to the region’s business climate and talented workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore.

“Existing businesses are the heart of every successful economy, which is why retraining efforts are so significant. In Virginia’s ever-changing, over $100 billion manufacturing industry, ensuring that the workforce has the skills of the 21st century is paramount. We are confident that with this investment, Spectrum Brands will continue to thrive in the Commonwealth,” he added.

“Programs like VJIP benefit the company, its employees, and the community as a whole,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Tuck. “Montgomery County is growing and our Board and staff is doing its part to help our businesses and their employees stay relevant in this ever-changing industry and local, thriving economic landscape. Reinvesting in local businesses like Spectrum Brands and enabling their employees to have the training and resources they need to be successful is one major key to the continued growth of our County’s economy.”

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