Amthor International, reportedly the largest truck tank manufacturer in North America, is investing $7.1 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Virginia’s Pittsylvania County. A number of state and local agencies also provided funding.
The company will build a new 115,000-square-foot plant to accommodate increased demand for fabricated tanker trucks, and will designate the new Gretna VA facility as its official corporate headquarters. Virginia successfully competed against West Virginia for the project, which will retain 110 existing jobs and create 70 new jobs over three years with a total of 90 new jobs over five years.
Founded in 1928, Amthor International is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company that offers products including tanks and accessories for the refined fuels, propane, vacuum and septic, portable restroom, water, well drilling, and construction industries. Each tank is built in the United States and can be customized fully to meet all business’ needs.
“Amthor International opened its doors in Virginia over 25 years ago,” said Brian Amthor, executive vice-president of Amthor International. “After considering other areas for the site of our manufacturing plant, we decided the Commonwealth of Virginia was the best foundation for our business because of its business-friendly policies and the opportunity for growth and development. As our business grows, we are committed to keeping our roots in Virginia and recognizing the success this community has brought for our company, our employees, and our family.
“We strive to extend our success to those around us. By doing so, we continue the circle of support for our town, our county, and the Commonwealth. Had we not built our corporation in such a welcoming and supportive community, we would not have seen the huge success and prosperity over the last 25 years. We are looking forward to another 25 years and more of continued success here in Virginia.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pittsylvania County and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. A $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund was provided to assist the county with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $255,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) also provided valuable assistance.
Amthor International is eligible to receive additional grants and state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“This project is of the utmost importance to Pittsylvania County,” said Bob Warren, chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “Amthor has been a long-standing and loyal corporate citizen in Gretna, and nothing makes us happier than to help them grow and continue to thrive as an integral member of our community. This project presents us, alongside our state and local partners, with a compelling opportunity to make a savvy investment that will not only create at least 90 new jobs over five years in Gretna with good pay, but will also retain an additional 110 jobs. It also allows us to highlight this project as part of a success story for how our region’s visionary workforce investments are leading to industry investment and job creation and retention, which is just what they were intended to do. We thank Amthor for its commitment to Pittsylvania County, we congratulate them on this success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the company as it grows.”