RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Laminate Technologies (LamTech), a manufacturer of customized laminated panels and fabricated components, will invest in excess of $2 million to establish an operation in Henry County, creating a minimum of 30 new jobs. The company is a supplier to many area kitchen cabinet manufacturers, and the Martinsville - Henry County location is strategically located to better serve its markets. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "This project is a great example of established companies attracting potential suppliers and building on an industry. With its first Virginia operation Laminate Technologies will supply regional cabinet manufacturers, adding to the already impressive wood products cluster in the Martinsville - Henry County area. The region continues to rebound economically, and I congratulate all involved on 30 jobs and a new corporate partner."

"We thank LamTech for choosing Virginia for its new Mid-Atlantic manufacturing operation," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Henry County was the right choice for the company, as it provides a strategic, convenient location and offers an available facility that meets the company's needs. I have every confidence that the region will be a great fit, and look forward to the company thriving in the Commonwealth."

Founded as a privately held company in 1985, Laminate Technologies continues today under the same private ownership and leadership. LamTech has risen to become one of the largest, privately held custom laminators/ fabricators in the United States. Its primary mission is to provide creative solutions to the laminating and fabricating needs of its customers, delivering quality products and services that are unparalleled in the industry.

"After a careful evaluation of various sites in North Carolina and Virginia, and numerous visits to both regions, it became clear that Virginia was the clear choice," said Fred Zoeller, President & CEO, Laminate Technologies. "The people in the Economic Development Department and the overall attitude from those whom we visited within the state department were all great and very helpful. The overall support that we received from the people of Martinsville - Henry County, along with their continued cooperation in helping us locate an essential rail siding, is fantastic. Again, the choice was overwhelming that Martinsville - Henry County and the Commonwealth of Virginia would be the home for our 4th operation."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $50,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $110,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. 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.

"We are thrilled that LamTech has chosen to locate in Henry County," said Jim Adams, Chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. "Our citizens have a rich history of hard work and dedication to the craft, and LamTech recognized that. This is a great day for our residents."

"Another great day for Henry County-30 new jobs and $2 million investment," said Virginia State Delegate and Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission member Danny Marshall. "We want to thank the management of Laminate Technologies for having the confidence in our people and area. I know that 30 of our people will work hard to make Laminate Technologies' Henry County location a successful business. The Tobacco Commission's goal is to help bring good jobs to our area. We were glad we could be a positive part of this project."

Source: State of Virgnia