One company is upgrading much of its equipment in an effort to maintain several Virginia manufacturing jobs.

It was recently announced that Owens-Illinois, Inc. will invest $20 million to upgrade equipment at its manufacturing plant in James City County. The upgrades, made possible through a public-private collaboration, will enhance the energy efficiency and technological capabilities of the plant, as well as maintain the plant’s 180 employees. Owens-Illinois manufactures glass containers for food, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.

“O-I is seizing the opportunity to make the James City County plant stronger and more competitive, which will help keep quality manufacturing jobs in James City County,” Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a press release. “Together, we are working to keep jobs in the region and the Commonwealth during this challenging economic time. As the largest manufacturer of glass containers in the world, Virginia is proud to boast this corporate partner.”

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A local plant’s investments will soon create new Virginia manufacturing jobs.

SPARTA Composite Products is planning to invest $13.2 million to open a new manufacturing facility in Suffolk, Va., a move that will create 198 jobs during the next five years. Gov. Tim Kaine approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund for the project. The facility will be used to manufacture composite parts for the aerospace and defense industry.

The facility is expected to be operation by December and will begin hiring workers during the third quarter of 2009, according to an article by the Star Exponent. SPARTA already operates three facilities in Virginia, where the company produces composite products for aircraft and missile and munitions products for the defense industry.

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More Virginia manufacturing jobs will soon be created thanks to the expansion of a well-known fitness company.

Nautilus Inc. recently announced its plan to invest $1.7 million into expanding its operations in Grayson County, a move that will create 60 new manufacturing jobs. The company plans to add a cardio exercise equipment line to its manufacturing roster. Virginia beat out Oregon and China for the project.

“Nautilus has been a major employer in Grayson County for 33 years,” Governor Timothy M. Kaine said in a press release. “The success of Virginia’s existing businesses is more crucial than ever in these times of economic downturn and I am thrilled to bring good news of jobs and investment.”

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A manufacturing company will create more than 100 new Virginia manufacturing jobs.

Metal Manufacturing and Processing, a division of Raleigh Mine & Industrial Supply Inc., is investing $3.2 million to open a processing facility for metal fabrication and truck parts re-manufacturing. The project is expected to create 171 new jobs in Tazewell County, Va. within five years, according to a press release from the State of Virginia. The state won a bid for the project over Kentucky and West Virginia.

“Metal Manufacturing and Processing is a mining equipment company that was created to meet the growing demand for mineral extraction,” Governor Timothy M. Kaine said in the press release. “MMP’s location in Tazewell County will be close to its customer base and will aid the mining industry in Southwest Virginia. I am confident the company will find a skilled workforce in the area to meet its needs.”

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