The Danville Office of Economic Development announces a major investment by Blue Ridge Fiberboard Inc. at its Danville facility. Blue Ridge has committed to invest $2 million in capital investment to improve the efficiency of fiberboard manufacturing.
W.R. Meadows Inc. acquired and restarted the former Masonite plant in 2009 and has successfully grown the operation under the Blue Ridge Fiberboard name. The company has increased its workforce by 30 employees since January 2016 in order to operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to meet the fiberboard product demand.
The impact of the Danville operation extends beyond the 119 people it now employs by using locally sourced raw materials as well as utilizing local vendors to service and maintain the plant’s machinery and equipment.
In support of existing industries and considering the company’s recent investments and job creation, the City of Danville along with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission worked with Blue Ridge Fiberboard to assist with this expansion.
Delegate Danny Marshall said, "As a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, we are again excited to be a part of the growth of Blue Ridge Fiberboard. The Tobacco Commission recently invested $75,000 in the form of a Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund (TROF) grant to help with the current expansion. An important additional impact to our local economy is the extra business created for other companies as Blue Ridge procures materials and services from local sources. This expansion is a solid economic win for our area. We appreciate Blue Ridge Fiberboard creating jobs in our region and enthusiastically wish them continued success and growth."
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in connecting and assisting the company with the Virginia Workforce Development Program and the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to help with recruitment and training of new and existing employees.
“We are excited about Blue Ridge Fiberboard’s announcement and grateful they were able to utilize state and federal resources to recruit, assess, and train their workforce. Our existing industries are a vital component of this region’s economic success. When companies like Blue Ridge Fiberboard experience growth, it benefits the entire community,” Laurie Moran, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce said.
Mayor John Gilstrap commented, “Blue Ridge Fiberboard represents the kind of company that makes our community successful. It quietly goes about its business, employing our citizens and making the daily contributions to Danville’s economy that drives local prosperity. On behalf of the City, I wish to thank Blue Ridge for the investment it has made to increase its capacity and efficiency here.”
Mark Custer, plant manager said, “The City and the regional programs that support and value existing industries encourages continued investment and growth in the company’s Danville facility. In addition, the success of the plant would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our employees. As the demand for our product grows our employees continue to meet the challenge.”