Governor McDonnell Announces MeadWestvaco to Move Innovation Center to Virginia
– Move will relocate 128 jobs to city of Richmond –

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that MeadWestvaco (MWV) will relocate its Center for Packaging Innovation (CPI) from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia.  The move will relocate 128 jobs to Richmond, some of which will be positioned at the company's headquarters and others at a leased lab space yet to be determined.  It is estimated that MWV will invest $10 million in the new CPI facilities. 

Speaking about today's announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, "Just two months ago we celebrated the opening of MeadWestvaco's new headquarters in Richmond.  Soon we will be welcoming the company's Center for Packaging Innovation here as well. MeadWestvaco's decision to move its Center for Packaging Innovation to Virginia speaks volumes to the excellent business climate we have developed in this state.  Companies are continuing to look to the Commonwealth to relocate and establish their business.  I look forward to a continued partnership with MeadWestvaco as they grow and expand their operations here in Virginia."

"By bringing our innovation experts together with our teams in Richmond, we will improve the real-time interaction and collaboration on which our business thrives.  The move will also allow us to take full advantage of our world class headquarters," said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of MWV.  "Virginia's pro-business environment makes it a great place for the central hub of our global organization. We appreciate the support Governor McDonnell and Mayor Jones have provided to MeadWestvaco as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the Commonwealth."  For more information on Mead Westvaco contact Alison von Puschendorf, Phone:   (804) 444-7284

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones noted, "The Capital City proudly welcomes MeadWestvaco's Center for Packaging Innovation to the company's new headquarters in Richmond.  The many researchers, analysts, designers and scientists will enjoy the premium view of the James River and we are looking forward to this additional workforce becoming part of our community and neighborhoods."

# # #