Governor McDonnell Announces 40 New Jobs in Henry County
– Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc. to invest $16.5 million to expand manufacturing operation –

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc. (CLC), a manufacturing company with a strong emphasis on solar-control window films and precision, high-performance coatings, will invest $16.5 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Henry County. The company will create 40 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed against China for the project.  

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "CLC's operation in Henry County is significant for several reasons, and this major investment testifies to its success. While the company maintains operations in eight locations and five countries around the world, this facility serves as not only CLC's headquarters, but also as its sole manufacturing facility.  The company is thriving in Virginia and Henry County, and I look forward to the continued productivity and success this expansion will bring." 

"As CLC's coatings manufacturing operation, it goes without saying that the equipment at the Henry County facility is extremely high-tech," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "This investment will enable the company to further increase its advanced technological capabilities and strengthen Virginia's position in the polymers sector as a leading film manufacturing location." 

CLC combines a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, proprietary and highly technical processes, efficient global distribution capabilities, and a flexible work force to produce a broad range of high-quality products. All CLC products are made at the Henry County facility on the industry's newest, and most advanced manufacturing equipment. Additionally, CLC's technical and responsive team is focused on developing cutting-edge and innovative technology to meet the evolving needs of the industry. 

"This partnership is a testament to how government and industry can cooperate in a manner that gives long-term benefits to all stakeholders: the local community, the workforce, and the investors," said Steve Phillips, CLC President and CEO.           

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $200,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Henry County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $320,000 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.           

"Today's announcement reflects CLC's confidence in its future here," said Debra Buchanan, Henry County Board of Supervisors Chairman. "CLC has been a great corporate friend for a long time, and this expansion reinforces that Henry County is a great place to do business."           

"Once again, I am very pleased that the Tobacco Commission provided funds to help CLC expand its manufacturing facility and increase employment opportunities for our citizens," said Delegate Donald Merricks, a Commissioner of The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

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