Governor McDonnell Announces 60 New Jobs in the City of Lynchburg
– Tessy Plastics LLC to invest $4.8 million in expansion~ –

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Tessy Plastics LLC will invest $4.8 million to expand its facility in Lynchburg, creating 60 new jobs. With this investment, the facility will serve the medical disposables market, a growing sector within the custom injection-molding industry.

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell said, "Since its establishment in Lynchburg in 1997 Tessy Plastics has been an innovator in custom injection molding, and I am pleased that the company will expand to manufacture additional custom products in a growth market. Tessy chose its Virginia operation for this project due to the proximity to its customer base, ability to expand the current facility, and confidence in the longevity of this Lynchburg operation. The high-technology plastics industry in the Commonwealth is vibrant. As the second injection molding company expansion announcement in Virginia in the last 45 days, this project is testament to this important plastics processing sector."

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling said, "I'd like to thank Tessy Plastics for its continued investment in Lynchburg and the Commonwealth. Governor McDonnell and I have placed a high priority on creating jobs in Southern Virginia and other economically distressed regions of our state, and we are thrilled that another 60 jobs will be created with today's announcement. Winning this expansion project was a priority for the Administration, and I applaud everyone involved."

"Existing industry in Virginia is a crucial component of economic development and success," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "Tessy Plastics has been a corporate partner to the Commonwealth for nearly 15 years, and we are grateful for the company's confidence in the business environment in the City of Lynchburg and in Virginia."

Since being founded by Henry Beck in 1973, Tessy Plastics has been shaping the world's ideas into a wide range of products. Whether it's a sophisticated medical device or an everyday consumer item, Tessy has the innovative capacity to engineer, manufacture, assemble and distribute products in the leanest, most effective way. As a family-owned and -operated, privately held company, Tessy Plastics is structurally sound yet flexible enough to maneuver in today's increasingly globalized business world. Headquartered in Central New York, Tessy Plastics also has facilities in Virginia and China.

"We at Tessy Plastics have an excellent, hard working and honest work force," said Ken Beck, President. "With our great employees and the partnership with the city of Lynchburg and the state of Virginia, I look forward to investing in our future to make us a stronger, more efficient company which will help us stay competitive in a global market."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Economic Development Authority of the City of Lynchburg and the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development to secure the project for Virginia. Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership also assisted. Governor McDonnell approved a $150,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Lynchburg with 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 will provide funding and services to support the Company's recruitment and training activities.

"I am so pleased that Tessy Plastics has chosen Lynchburg for this expansion. It is not only a sound business decision-with Lynchburg's low-cost business environment and quality workforce-but also evidence of Tessy's commitment to our community, enjoying almost 15 years as a valued corporate citizen in the Hill City," said Lynchburg Mayor Joan Foster. "The City of Lynchburg is pleased to show our commitment to Tessy Plastics, and we look forward to many more prosperous years of partnership."

"It is exciting to support the expansion of a long standing Lynchburg manufacturer and assist in the creation of these new jobs. The LEDA remains committed to attracting, retaining, and expanding a diverse set of businesses to support and grow the Lynchburg economy," said Lynchburg Economic Development Chair Mark Varah.

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