advanced manufacturing

The talented and loyal workforce of Virginia’s New River Valley is proud to manufacture using the highest levels of technology and robotics. From Volvo Trucks North America to Kollmorgen, advanced manufacturing has many faces in the region. The NRV is “A Natural Fit” for new manufacturers looking to put down roots in our comparatively low-cost region.

Industry Stats

164 Companies

12,633 Jobs

12% Job Growth Past 5 Years (2019)

Business Advantages

Strategic Location

I-81 runs through the heart of the NRV, and the region has easy access to I-77 and I-64. This makes transportation to large distribution centers in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest markets easy for many of the advanced manufacturing businesses in the area.

Workforce

The workforce is both entrepreneurial in spirit and loyal; employees tend to stay here for a long time. Plus, institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College provide ample researchers, upper-level talent, and technically skilled employees.

Business Community

The region’s diverse and innovative business community is very collaborative. Home to many foreign-based corporations and technology companies, organizations in the NRV benefit from an approachable network of professionals.

Primary Sub-Sectors

Chemicals

Plastics & Materials

Automotive

Motion Control Systems

Featured Sites & Buildings

Virginia’s New River Valley is much more than an area with beautiful scenery and diverse people. It is a perfect location to let your business flourish. Explore available sites and buildings in the NRV that are “A Natural Fit” to help your business grow.

Major Employers

“Though H&V has 7 plants in the U.S., the NRV location has repeatedly been selected for strategic expansions due to the state and local government support and the skilled and cooperative workforce in the area.”

Vince Hatcher, Plant Manager at Hollingsworth & Vose

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

CAREER & TECHNICAL TRAINING

FOREIGN TRADE ZONE #238

A foreign trade zone (FTZ) is a secure and enclosed area, located near or in a Port of Entry. An FTZ is considered to be outside U.S. customs territory, meaning that foreign and domestic materials or merchandise may be moved into it without being subject to U.S. customs duties until the goods enter U.S. commerce. The New River Valley is a part of FTZ #238.

"Volvo Trucks appreciates the craftsmanship and pride in manufacturing seen here in the New River Valley. Our workers are highly capable, fully engaged, and have a sense of innovation in building all of the premier quality Volvo Trucks sold in the North American market. The warm spirit and welcoming environment of the NRV makes it easy to be an international business in this area."

Franky Marchand, Vice President & GM of Volvo Trucks NRV Plant

#1 Fastest Growing Manufacturing Sector in Virginia
– EMSI, 2012 – 2016
#11 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing
– SmartAsset, 2017
#30 Leading Location for New & Expanding Businesses
– Area Development, 2016
Top College for Manufacturing Training, New River Community College
– SB & D, 2017

Recent News

Prototype of air capture machinery
Advanced Manufacturing

MOVA Awarded USDA Grant

SW Virginia News recently reported that MOVA Technologies has received a grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.