GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES 127 NEW JOBS IN HALIFAX COUNTY
ABB’s Halifax County expansion one of two totaling $28.3 million in Virginia

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that ABB Inc., a provider of power and automation products, systems, solutions and services, will expand its plant in Halifax County. The expansion involves a $25.3 million investment and will create 127 new jobs.
The facility manufactures liquid-cooled transformers for large utility, industrial and government users. Virginia successfully competed with Mexico, Colombia, China, and Missouri for the project.

In addition, Governor Kaine announced ABB’s expansion plans at its Bland County facility today. Combined, the projects bring 157 new jobs and a $28.3 million investment to Virginia.

“Two expansion announcements in one day is testament to ABB’s tremendous success in Virginia,” said Governor Kaine. “This announcement marks the company’s third expansion at its Halifax County facility in just three years. I congratulate ABB on its continued growth.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. In the United States, ABB employs more than 8,500 workers in 32 states and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. Worldwide, the ABB Group, headquartered in Zurich, employs about 103,000 people in approximately 100 countries.

“ABB’s decision to make further investments in South Boston was a direct result of the efforts of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority,” stated Milton Axton, Vice President and General Manager, ABB South Boston. “South Boston was clearly the best choice for this expansion since it will build on the quality reputation achieved by the experienced Virginia-based employees using world-leading ABB design and process technologies.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Halifax County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $400,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Halifax County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Commission awarded $1.9 million from the Special Projects Committee and $4.1 million from the Southside Economic Development Committee for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will also support the project with training assistance through its Workforce Services Jobs Investment Program. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide a $2 million loan to the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority through VSBFA’s Economic Development Loan Fund program.

“This is great news for our area,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman William Fitzgerald. “ABB, Inc. is a great company and has been a leading corporate citizen of Halifax County for many years. Today’s announcement is a testament to the fact that Halifax County can support sophisticated, technology-based manufacturing. We have made substantial commitments to education in Halifax County to ensure that we can provide a workforce that meets the needs of companies willing to invest in our community.”