RICHMOND, VA - Governor Bob McDonnell announced Nov. 30, 2010 that Southern Finishing Co., Inc., a manufacturer of prefinished components for the cabinet industry will invest $1.7 million to consolidate its eastern U.S. operations to the City of Martinsville. The project is a result of the consolidation of the company’s North Carolina and Virginia operations as a means of achieving greater efficiency, economies of scale and improving logistics in an effort to reduce costs. The consolidation to Martinsville includes the company’s manufacturing and distribution operations that are currently located in North Carolina. The company will occupy the former Hooker Manufacturing building, located across the street from Southern Finishing’s existing Martinsville location. The project will save 137 jobs and create 67 new jobs.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Gov. McDonnell said, “Southern Virginia has a rich history in the furniture industry, and Southern Finishing Company has thrived in Martinsville. The fact that a former furniture manufacturing facility was available and equipped to meet the company’s needs ensured Martinsville as Southern Finishing’s pick for the consolidation of its eastern U.S. operations. This consolidation will mean the retention of 137 jobs in Martinsville, and the creation of 67 new ones. Today’s announcement is a Southern Virginia success story.”

“The retention and expansion of Southern Finishing Company in Martinsville is significant,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Southern Finishing is able to benefit from the region’s history of success in the furniture sector, and I am confident in the trained labor pool available to fill the new jobs.”

Southern Finishing Co. was founded in 1978 and has more than 240 employees. The privately-owned company specializes in prefinished wood mouldings (manufacturing 35 million linear feet per year), accessories, panels, doors, kitchen and bath cabinet components, and bedrails. They offer industry-leading turn-around times and excel in meeting exacting customer specifications for color match and quality. Key partners include American Woodmark, Marsh Furniture, Armstrong Cabinets, Thomasville Furniture, Empire Today, Yorktown, Masco Builders Cabinet Group, Salamander, Hooker Furniture and PlyGem.

“Southern Finishing has a 32 year history in the wood industry in Virginia, so this is a logical step for us,” said Ed Brown, president & CEO, Southern Finishing Company. “Many of our customers and suppliers have facilities in Virginia. We currently have a manufacturing facility here. This background, the availability of affordable space and a labor force with wood industry experience in the area make this an ideal site for Southern Finishing. This move will allow us to consolidate our manufacturing base, reduce overhead, save existing manufacturing jobs and concentrate on future growth. We appreciate the opportunity that the state of Virginia, the City of Martinsville and Henry County is affording us.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Martinsville and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $135,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Martinsville with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $380,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment and training activities.

“On behalf of the Virginia Tobacco Commission we congratulate the City of Martinsville on a great win,” said Terry Kilgore, chairman, Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are pleased that the Tobacco Commission could offer assistance to ensure that Southern Finishing Company will stay and thrive in Virginia.”

“Today’s announcement is wonderful for the citizens of Martinsville-Henry County,” said Mayor Kim Adkins. “The retention of 137 jobs with an addition of 67 new jobs and a capital investment of $1.7 million is great news. It is extremely rewarding when an existing industry has the confidence in your community to expand their operations. This announcement is a testament to the hard, loyal workers living in our community.”

Source: Office of the Gov., Commonwealth of Virginia