DUFFIELD, VA – NOVEMBER 22, 2021 — An up to $100,000 grant from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to the Scott County Economic Development Authority to assist with an expansion of VFP, Inc., which is projected to bring 30 new jobs to Scott County has been announced by VCEDA.
The governor’s office announced the project Monday, noting Virginia successfully competed with Missouri and Oklahoma for the project.
The VCEDA funds to benefit the company come from the Coalfield Workforce Development and Training Fund and will be used for workforce development and training to benefit VFP, Inc., a manufacturing company located in the Duffield Regional Industrial Park in Scott County.
VCEDA has assisted VFP, Inc. with previous expansions at its Scott County location. The company plans to invest $7,165,800 in the expansion, which will involve increasing production to meet growing demand for its products.
Since 1965, VFP has produced quality, prefabricated structures for the telecommunications, utility, public safety and renewable energy markets. Its utility customers are now requesting wider and longer shelters. VFP’s expansion project will enable it to build the larger metal shelters in one stage and meet future demand in the market.
“VFP is an outstanding company and a great asset to our region,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “VCEDA has assisted VFP with a number of expansions in Scott County and we are very pleased to be able assist once again.”
The company currently has 165 full-time employees, but projects 195 full-time employees within three years as a result of the expansion.
“VFP has enjoyed over 56 years of excellence in building design and manufacturing, providing quality premanufactured structures to the telecommunications, power, public safety, modular data center and broadband industries” said Scott File, VFP Inc. president. “Since relocating our manufacturing facilities to Scott County in the 1990s, we have continued to grow. This is largely due to the loyalty and support from our valued employees. VFP is grateful to be located in Scott County with an available workforce and local talent that can meet our vast manufacturing needs. We owe special thanks for the continued support and assistance received over the years from local, regional and state agencies.
“We applaud VFP, Inc for this exciting announcement for Scott County that will increase the number of jobs and their footprint within the county,” said Roger Fraysier, chairman of the Scott County EDA. “VFP Inc. continues to manufacture quality utility buildings in Duffield and we thank them and VCEDA for the partnership on this expansion.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Scott County and with VCEDA to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with the project. VFP Inc. is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as local benefits. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will also be provided through the state’s Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.