Machining and fabrication company adding 35 jobs in Southwest Virginia

Published January 22, 2019 by Veronica Garabelli

Smyth County Machine LLC is investing $2.1 million to expand in Smyth County. The machining and fabrication company expects to create 35 jobs.

Gov. Ralph Northam’s office said the company plans to add equipment and expand its product line at its Southwest Virginia facility.

The company started in 1977 as a one-man operation.  Previously known as Smyth County Machine and Welding Inc., it recently was acquired by Becker Global-America CEO and Southwest Virginia native Greg Sanders. Becker Global-America is one of the company’s customers but otherwise not affiliated with the business. In a statement, Becker praised the resources available in the state.

“The economic development professionals are agile, quick to respond, accommodating, and make Virginia attractive by collaborating with local partners to offer training assistance and financial guidance,” he said.

Smyth County Machine  serves many industries, including automotive, environmental, defense, mining, medical and imaging.

Northam approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Smyth County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $200,000 in funds for the project. Smyth County Machine is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program as well as tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Virginia competed against Tennessee for the project.