Virginia-based CustomInk.com has established a new digital and screen printing operation for custom apparel in Albemarle County. The project will create more than 100 new jobs in the next few years.
CustomInk is a privately held company that provides an online service that people use to design and order custom-decorated products, such as printed T-shirts and sweatshirts, for their groups and events, including businesses, student groups, sport leagues, family reunions, and more. CustomInk aims to “wow” customers by providing a hassle-free experience. The company has also been recognized as a great place to work, a high-trust culture, an innovative business, a top online retailer and a fast-growing company. CustomInk was founded in March 2000 and currently employs more than 275 people, about 30 of whom are now working out of the Charlottesville location.
“What began as an idea among three college classmates has grown into quite an entrepreneurial company,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “Albemarle County is the perfect fit for CustomInk’s expansion, as the region provides the workforce that the company is targeting, including recent UVa. graduates.”
“It is always gratifying to see a Virginia company grow throughout the Commonwealth,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “CustomInk has a unique story and has experienced great success due to impressive leadership and enthusiastic team members. I am confident that the company will continue this trajectory in Albemarle County.”
CustomInk’s Charlottesville production facility will service a significant portion of CustomInk’s order volume. Company President Marc Katz calls the move “an important step in CustomInk’s evolution.” He notes that the Charlottesville area will provide good shipping coverage, great staffing opportunities, and a high quality of life for the team. Katz said, “This is an exciting step for CustomInk. The Charlottesville location should create the right conditions for the success of our production operation and give us a lot of flexibility over the long-term.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.
“Albemarle County is thrilled to provide a home for CustomInk’s expansion,” said Ann Mallek, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors chair. “We believe Albemarle County is well positioned to meet the company’s current and long-term needs for a dynamic workforce due to our strong public school system, close proximity to well-regarded institutions of higher-learning, and our close collaborations with the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development and the Piedmont Workforce Center.”
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