Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that JTI Leaf Services will invest $7.5 million in new tobacco processing technology at its facility in Danville. The facility employs more than 270 full-time and seasonal individuals. The governor will meet with Japan Tobacco officials in Tokyo and express his appreciation for the expansion.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “I commend Japan Tobacco and JTI Leaf Services on their great success in Virginia since establishing operations in Danville in 2009. This significant investment in equipment represents the continued growth of the plant as product demand increases and can be met with new processing technology. Not only does this upgrade benefit overall efficiency, it also secures the future viability of the facility for years to come.”
“Even as we work to diversify Southern Virginia’s economy, a rich history in the tobacco industry and trained workforce are factors that contribute to the success of JTI Leaf Services in Danville,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This expansion also positively affects the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry as the demand for tobacco from Virginia farmers increases and can be processed at a higher rate. With this project, JTI will continue to provide valuable employment opportunities and build on this historic sector in Virginia.”
“We have made substantial investments to date and we now have plans for further expansion of our Danville facility,” said Steve Daniels, JTI Leaf Services Director. “With this investment we intend to further enhance our capacity, our efficiency and our quality. We remain committed to Danville, the Region and to our Grower base.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville on this project for Virginia.
“Danville fosters partnerships, and our partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia is a valuable one,” said Mayor Sherman Saunders. “This expansion by JTI Leaf Services is a testimony to that partnership, and it sends a strong message that Danville, Virginia, is a great place to conduct business. We say ‘thank you’ to JTI Leaf Services for embracing Danville as Danville has embraced JTI Leaf Services.”