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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

AFL Expands Operations in Washington County, Virginia

08/20/2018
AFL, an industry leading manufacturer of fiber optic cable, connectivity, and accessories, will invest $1.3 million to purchase new machinery and add additional lines at its manufacturing operation in the Bristol-Washington County Industrial Park in Washington County, Virginia.

“AFL is excited to have brought the Metal Castings business into its family and we’re proud to be operating in Virginia through an aluminum foundry already well-known for its people and its customers,” said President & CEO of AFL Jody Gallagher.

“There, we will continue to manufacture a wide variety of products used in the generation, transmission, distribution and control of electricity. These products, along with various electrical equipment repair and maintenance services, are used by a diverse mix of energy (coal, oil and gas), electric utility and industrial customers worldwide. We have appreciated the opportunity to partner with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Washington County to lay the foundation for AFL’s bright future at this location,” Gallagher added.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Washington County to secure the project for Virginia. AFL is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Funding and services to support the company’s expansion will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

AFL recently acquired the Metal Castings division of Electro-Mechanical Corporation. Thirty-nine existing employees will be retrained on the new technology through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“AFL’s decision to expand and retrain its employees in Washington County is an important win for the region and Virginia,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Manufacturers continue to choose the Commonwealth because of our logistical advantages, favorable operating costs, and skilled workforce. I thank AFL for reinvesting in Southwest Virginia and I am confident the company will continue to thrive in Washington County.”

“AFL’s decision to expand in Washington County is a testament to Virginia’s pro-business environment and the region’s strong manufacturing workforce,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The company is a valued employer creating new, 21st-century jobs and providing retraining opportunities for its existing employees to learn new technologies and skills.”

“AFL’s 20-job, $1.3 million-dollar expansion in Washington County is a welcome addition to Southwest Virginia’s burgeoning manufacturing economy,” said Senator Charles W. Carrico Sr. “Our region is proving to be an ideal destination for growing manufacturing operations, thanks in large part to our economic development partners and the dynamic workforce found only here.”

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