Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced this week that Kilgour Industries Ltd, a United Kingdom-based supplier of aircraft airframe and engine machined products will invest $27.3 million in its first U.S. operation in Henry County and create 155 new jobs. Kilgour specializes in computerized numerical control (CNC) machining, wet chemical surface treatments and sub-assemblies of aerospace components. Virginia successfully competed against Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina for the project.
Speaking about the announcement in Martinsville, McAuliffe said, “Securing an investment of this magnitude and 155 new jobs for a region that is continuing to rebound economically is a tremendous win for Virginia and a major step towards growing and diversifying our economy. This competitive project is another illustration of the Commonwealth’s leadership in the aerospace industry. We are thrilled that Henry County will be home to Kilgour Industries’ first U.S. operation, which will enable the company to meet increased demands and expand its customer base.”
“More than 236 aerospace firms call Virginia home, and today we celebrate the addition of Kilgour Industries to the roster,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This high-tech manufacturing company is an excellent fit for Henry County to continue to diversify its economy, and we look forward to Kilgour’s future success in the Commonwealth.”
Kilgour Industries, a family-owned company established in 1966 in the United Kingdom, supplies aircraft airframe and engine machined products in aluminum, steel and titanium to the major aerospace original equipment manufacturers. Kilgour’s mission is to be the market leader in precision engineering and treatments for the aerospace industry.
“On my initial visit to Martinsville-Henry County, I was pleasantly surprised by the manner in which business was conducted,” said Chief Executive Officer Ray Kilgour. “From the existing industry we met, the educational and training programs in the area, and the responsiveness of the economic development officials, we knew Martinsville-Henry County was a community that supports advanced manufacturing and a community in which we would be welcomed.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing to secure the project for Virginia.Governor McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $1.15 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additionally, through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s retraining activities.
“This is a tremendous day for the citizens of Henry County and Martinsville,” said H.G. Vaughn, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “Today’s announcement with Kilgour allows us to expand our international presence, bring in a partner in a growing industry sector, and provide 21st Century job opportunities for our citizens. We are thrilled.”
“The Virginia Tobacco Commission’s goal is to help bring jobs and prosperity to the Commission’s footprint,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, a Commissioner of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are very excited to be a part of helping to bring Kilgour Industries to Henry County. The addition of 155 new high paying jobs and a $27.3 million investment is why the Tobacco Commission invested $1.15 million to help with this project. Thank you to the management of Kilgour Industries for choosing Henry County.”
“The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing is extremely pleased to welcome Kilgour Industries to Virginia, which is leading the way in the region’s technology research and development,” said Armand F. Lauzon, Jr., Chairman. “Kilgour will benefit from Virginia’s elected leadership and economic leaders, all of whom understand the needs of business today. The CCAM member companies, which operate in aerospace, defense, electronics, and many other industries, celebrate Kilgour as an important new member of Virginia’s business community.”
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