LamTech plans $4 million expansion in Virginia
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RIDGEWAY Va.—Laminate Technologies Inc. (LamTech), one of the largest privately held custom laminators in the United States, will invest $4 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Henry County, Virginia. The company will install a new automated hardwood plywood press line to increase capacity and production to serve its East Coast market. The expansion will create 42 jobs in the area.

Headquartered in Tiffin, Ohio, Laminate Technologies produces laminated panel products, fabricated components, and globally sourced products for the kitchen cabinet, residential furniture, office furniture, and retail display markets. The company has manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia; it opened the Henry County operation in 2012.

“We studied several of our East Coast production facilities for expansion but selected our Ridgeway, Virginia location for multiple reasons, including the solid workforce, proximity to customers, and supply chain logistics,” said Randy Joseph, chief operating officer at Laminate Technologies. “Adding hardwood plywood production to our current lamination and fabrication capabilities provides a great product synergy. This, coupled with our neighboring supply partner, Southern Finishing in Martinsville, enables us to bring a lot of value to the market."

Virginia competed with Ohio for the project, according to the Jan. 15 announcement from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's office.  The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. to secure the project for Virginia, and Gov. Northam approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, as well as the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

With our skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, and access to key markets, manufacturers like Laminate Technologies are finding opportunity in Virginia,” said Gov. Northam. “Expansions in the advanced manufacturing sector will aid our economic recovery during this ongoing pandemic, and we look forward to partnering with the company on its next phase of growth in Henry County.”

Support for Laminate Technologies’ job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a new workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, with funding support from the Northam Administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

“We are excited that Laminate Technologies will expand its production capabilities at its Henry County facility, creating 42 new, well-paid jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is a great tool that enables businesses to adapt their workforce to evolving industry needs so that important employers like LamTech continue to succeed in the Commonwealth.”

“Every job created in our region is welcome news and 42 new jobs during this very challenging time is an exciting announcement,” said Delegate Daniel Marshall. “We are especially appreciative that Laminate Technologies, with divisions in five states, chose to expand its Henry County plant where it has been providing jobs since 2012. We have a great workforce, and LamTech has a great product, so it is a win-win situation.”

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]