Governor McAuliffe announces $1 million investment in Carroll County

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Friday that Thomas Automation Management, LLC (TAM), an automation firm that solves industrial IT problems for companies around the world, will invest $1 million to expand its operation in Carroll County, creating 15 new jobs.

Speaking about Friday’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “As we work to build a new Virginia economy, we need more innovative companies like Thomas Automation Management in the Commonwealth.  What started as a local business has evolved into an operation serving companies in at least six countries, further solidifying Virginia’s position in the global marketplace.”

“Information Technology is one of the key industry sectors in which the Commonwealth is a leader, and we are proud to include a Virginia-grown company like Thomas Automation Management on our roster of tech companies,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “We look forward to the company’s continued growth and contribution to the economic health of Carroll County and the Commonwealth as a whole.”

Thomas Automation Management was established on July 1, 2010 by Ricky Thomas, a former employee of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco who had the opportunity to retire. He discovered that his talents of building control systems were not only needed back at R.J. Reynolds under contract, but were also needed by other companies around the world. TAM is a firm that provides updates for control systems and builds new systems to replace obsolete technology, and is also a UL-Certified panel build shop where customized equipment can be placed directly into operation without further inspection. TAM represents International Tobacco Machinery from Poland and currently conducts business in at least six countries.

“We are excited to expand our operations in Carroll County,” said Ricky Thomas, Owner and President of TAM.  “We appreciate the assistance from the Commonwealth, Carroll County and the Carroll County IDA, and Virginia’s aCorridor in making this expansion a reality.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Carroll County, the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority, and Virginia’s aCorridor to help secure the project for Virginia. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $60,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Mr. David Hutchins, Chair of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, said, “The Thomas Automation Management expansion is one of the best gifts that Carroll County could have been given during this season. TAM is an extraordinary company with world-wide influence that will provide opportunities for our community to grow an information technology provider. The work that TAM is doing to assist companies around the globe will bring focus back to Carroll County and the Commonwealth that makes all of us proud. This is our record-setting fifth economic development announcement during 2014 and I look forward to what 2015 brings Carroll County.”

Mr. Barry Hicks, Chair of the Carroll County Industrial Development Authority said, “TAM is leading the way with automation solutions as a support company. The TAM expansion will give untold experiences in the growth of young IT minds as they work to solve complex problems around the world.  Five economic development announcements in one year is truly a blessing for Carroll County, and we wish to thank all who have assisted in making this happen.”

“On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, I want to congratulate Thomas Automation Management on this expansion that will bring 15 new jobs to Carroll County,” said Senator Bill Carrico, member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “It’s great to see that they are growing the type of high-tech jobs that are so important to our future. In addition to the $60,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund, this announcement is highlighted by TAM’s capital investment of $1 million, which demonstrates their commitment to Carroll County and the Twin County Region.